Hollyhock 'Black Nigra'

Black Nigra Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

A dramatic heirloom with a history stretching back centuries, Black Nigra Hollyhock brings an air of vintage romance and bold elegance to the garden. Its towering spires, reaching 5–7 feet, are lined with large, velvety blooms in a sumptuous shade of deep chocolate-maroon—so rich they appear nearly black. Each satiny flower measures 3–4 inches across, opening slowly to reveal a glowing golden center that draws bees in a constant, happy flurry.

Perfect for creating a stunning vertical backdrop in cottage gardens, along fences, or at the rear of borders, this variety offers height, structure, and drama with minimal effort. A biennial or short-lived perennial, Black Nigra focuses on foliage its first year, then produces its unforgettable flowers the second, with a chance to self-seed and return for seasons to come. Low-maintenance yet breathtaking, it is as resilient as it is beautiful, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil while enchanting pollinators and gardeners alike.

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 40

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.