Product Features:

Variety: Summer Carnival Mix Hollyhock

Quantity: 30+ seeds

Type: Herbaceous Perennial

Growth: Thrives in full sun, best in zones 3-9

Maturity: Blooms in mid to late summer

Planting Depth: 1/4 inch

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Benefits:

Vibrant Blooms: A mix of beautiful colors including pink, red, yellow, and white

Tall and Majestic: Grows up to 6-8 feet tall, perfect for backdrops and garden borders

Low Maintenance: Drought-tolerant and easy to grow once established

Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Detailed Planting Guide:

Preparation:

Soil: Choose well-drained, fertile soil. Hollyhocks prefer a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0-8.0).

Location: Pick a sunny spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Planting:

Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors in early spring or fall.

Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.

Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

Watering:

Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period. Once established, hollyhocks are drought-tolerant.

Method: Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage.

Fertilizing:

Initial: Mix a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil before planting.

Ongoing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.

Care:

Mulching: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Weeding: Keep the area around the plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Staking: Provide support for tall plants by staking if necessary.

Pest and Disease Management:

Common Pests: Watch for aphids, slugs, and hollyhock weevils. Use organic pesticides or introduce beneficial insects to control them.

Diseases: Prevent rust and powdery mildew by ensuring good air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering.

Harvesting:

Timing: Harvest seeds from the flower spikes once the pods have dried and turned brown.

Method: Carefully collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place for future planting.