If you want your hollyhocks (often called “Bauernrosen” in Germany) to thrive, giving them the right start in a spot they love is key. Here’s a quick guide on how to get them in the ground so they’ll reward you with those stunning, towering blooms we all love.
Pick the Perfect Spot
Hollyhocks are total sun-worshippers. To get those vibrant flowers, you’ll want to avoid shady corners. Since they can grow quite tall, it’s also a smart move to find a spot sheltered from the wind so they don’t snap during a summer storm. Soil quality matters, too—they crave nutrient-rich dirt, ideally with some loam or humus. If your soil is looking a bit thin, don’t worry; you can always boost it with some fertilizer.
The ideal home for your hollyhocks should be:
- Drenched in sunlight
- Protected from heavy winds
- Rich in nutrients
You can plant or transplant them anytime from spring through fall. However, if you’re moving them outdoors, wait until the threat of frost has passed—usually by mid-May. To be safe, give your young plants a “blanket” of leaves during their first winter to provide some natural insulation against the chill.
How to Get Them in the Ground
Start by digging a hole large enough for the root ball to sit comfortably. Before you put the plant in, loosen up the soil at the bottom and mix in some well-aged compost or manure. This gives your hollyhocks a great nutritional head start. You can also follow up with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season, but hold off once it gets cold—they don’t need extra feeding in the winter. Once they’re established, they really don’t require much maintenance at all.
Place your hollyhock in the hole and fill it back in with soil. Give it a good drink of water right away, and keep a close eye on it for the first two weeks. They’ll need a bit more water while they’re settling in, but be careful not to overdo it—hollyhocks hate “wet feet” (standing water), which can cause root issues.
