Hollyhocks are the kind of flowers that’ll make any gardener’s heart skip a beat. Not only are they absolutely stunning, but they also boast a seriously impressive blooming season. If you’re looking to add some vertical drama to your yard, here’s the lowdown on when these beauties bloom and how you can help them look their best.
The Lowdown on Hollyhock Growth
Don’t be discouraged if your hollyhocks don’t show off right away! Usually, they won’t bloom in their first year. Instead, the plant focuses on growing a lush crown of green leaves. Think of this as the foundation for the floral show coming the following summer. The only real exception is if you start your seeds indoors early and transplant them outside in the spring; in that case, you might get lucky with some first-year blooms.
However, starting hollyhocks indoors in a cozy, warm house does have a downside. These “pampered” plants often don’t develop the same cold hardiness as those grown directly in the garden. They might struggle a bit more when winter hits compared to their tougher, outdoor-raised cousins. It’s definitely a trade-off to consider when you’re deciding how to plant your seeds.
When the Magic Happens
If you’ve picked the perfect sunny spot, you can generally expect your hollyhocks to bloom consistently from July through September. One of the coolest things about them is that they don’t pop all at once. They bloom gradually from the bottom of the stalk upward. This means you’ll often see fresh buds forming at the top while the lower flowers have already finished their show.
Quick Facts on the Bloom:
- Hollyhocks come in a massive variety of colors.
- The main blooming window is July to September.
- Most varieties wait until their second year to flower.
As a gardener, you’re going to get a lot of mileage out of these plants—you just have to be a little patient during that first year. If you want to keep the party going and see more flowers the following summer, here’s a pro tip: prune them back! Cutting the stalks down before they have a chance to drop their seeds encourages the plant to return for another round next year. So, unless you’re trying to collect seeds for new plants, grab your shears once the blooming season winds down.
