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Olive Seed Company

Hollyhock 'Black Watchmen'

Hollyhock 'Black Watchmen'

$2.25 CAD
$2.25 CAD
Sale Sold Out For The Season
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Black Watchman Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Black Watchman Hollyhock exudes moody elegance, with velvety, hibiscus-like blooms in a deep maroon that gradually darkens to near-black. Each dramatic flower, up to 4 inches wide, unfurls slowly along tall, upright stalks reaching 5–7 feet, creating a commanding vertical presence at the back of garden beds or along fences. Its bold colour and stately form add timeless drama to cottage gardens, romantic borders, and heirloom-inspired landscapes.

Beloved by bees and other pollinators, Black Watchman thrives with minimal care, flourishing in full sun and average, well-drained soils. A biennial or short-lived perennial, it spends the first year building lush foliage before erupting into prolific blooms the second. When allowed to set seed, it often self-sows, offering the chance to return reliably and enchant the garden for years to come. Also known as Black Hollyhock, this variety blends vintage charm with architectural elegance.

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 20

TYPE: Biennial

SITE: Full Sun - Part Shade

DEPTH: 1/8" 

GERMINATION: 10-14 Days at 15-21°C

HEIGHT: 60 - 84"

MATURITY: 75 - 90 days (Second season)

SPACING: 12"

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Transplant (recommended): Start seeds indoors in seedling trays 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow on the surface of the soil or cover lightly, as some light aids germination. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before transplanting outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing (alternative): Direct sowing can be done after the last frost, but germination may be slower and less reliable.

Pinching and Support: Hollyhocks typically do not require pinching. Deadheading spent flowers after the first flush of blooms can encourage reblooming in late summer to fall. Allow some flowers to go to seed in autumn if you want them to self-sow and return the following year. Taller varieties may require staking to prevent their heavy flower stalks from toppling over.

Soil Preference and Watering: Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not typically necessary for hollyhocks. A single application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time is usually sufficient.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers at the bottom of the stalk have begun to open.

Other Tips: Hollyhocks will focus on foliage and root development in the first season, with blooms appearing in the second year. They are ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, and cut flower production.

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