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: Annual/Biennial

SITE: Full Sun - Part Shade

DEPTH: 1/8" 

GERMINATION: 10-14 Days at 15-21°C

HEIGHT: 60 - 84"

SPACING: 12"

BLOOM TIME: 75 - 90 days (Second season)


HOW TO GROW:

Start indoors (recommended) in seedling trays 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Sow on the surface or cover lightly, as some light aids germination. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Transplant outdoors after hardening off, once the risk of frost has passed.

Direct sowing can be done after the last frost, but germination may be slower and less reliable.

Plants will focus on foliage and root development in the first season. Cut back after the first flush of blooms to encourage reblooming in late summer to fall. Allow some flowers to go to seed in autumn—plants often self-sow and return the following year.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal issues. Ideal for borders, pollinator gardens, and cut flower production.