Hollyhocks are easy to grow and their blooms come in a wide range of jewel colours, flowering from early summer to autumn. Their tall spires look good grown against walls and fences and are stalwarts of cottage gardens. At the base is a clump of large, round, mid-green leaves. The perfect plant for the rear of borders where it will rise up to 5 foot, and more.

Sow Hollyhock indoors in from January to March or July to September. Sow seed thinly on the surface of a good quality seed compost, lightly cover with compost or vermiculite and keep moist. These seeds may benefit from gentle heat to encourage germination, often a windowsill will be sufficient, but if sowing over summer the greenhouse or a cold frame will suffice. Initially, water the seeds from below and keep the soil damp but not wet and do not exclude light. Place in a propagator or seal the seed tray inside a polythene bag until after germination. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.

When Spring sown Hollyhock plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days and plant out. For summer sown plants, ensure they are in the ground whilst it is still warm and they have a chance to establish before the frosts.