Hollyhock 'Summer Carnival Mix'

Summer Carnival Double Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a showstopper in every sense. This variety offers a carnival of colour with fully double, peony-shaped blooms in rich shades of crimson, rose, soft pink, golden yellow, pure white, and deep red. Unlike many hollyhocks, Summer Carnival may bloom its first year when started early indoors—giving you earlier-than-usual towers of blooms that rise up sturdy 5-foot stalks. The large 3 to 4-inch blossoms unfurl gradually, creating a long-lasting display from mid-summer through early fall. Pollinators adore them—especially bees, who swarm to their golden centres for pollen. These plants thrive at the back of flower beds or along fences, where they bring romantic vertical drama with little to no maintenance. Hollyhocks are biennials or short-lived perennials, and if left to self-seed, they’ll happily return each season.
 

DETAILS:
 
QTY: 20

TYPE: Biennial

SITE: Full Sun - Part Shade

DEPTH: 1/8" 

GERMINATION: 10-14 Days at 15-21°C

HEIGHT: 48 - 60"

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.