From my perspective as a hollyhock seed, my internal clock is tuned to the rhythms of the seasons. I possess two preferred windows for beginning my journey. The first is in the late summer or early autumn. If you plant me then, I will use the cooling soil to send out my initial roots, establishing myself comfortably before winter's dormancy. This gives me a tremendous head start for a vigorous growth spurt come spring. The second, and more common, option is in the early spring, just after the last frost has passed. The soil is warming, and the days are lengthening, signaling that it is safe for me to emerge. I need that soil to be workable, not frozen or waterlogged, so I can easily push my new roots through it.
I crave a specific environment to truly thrive. Please choose a location for me that receives abundant, direct sunlight for most of the day; I am a sun-worshipper and need this energy to grow tall and strong. The soil itself is crucial. It must be well-draining, as my roots despise sitting in constant moisture, which will cause them to rot. However, I also need this soil to be rich in organic matter. Amending the planting area with compost or well-rotted manure provides me with the sustained nutrients I require for my entire lifecycle. A slightly neutral to alkaline pH is my preference.
My outer shell is quite tough, a natural armor that protects me. To help me awaken, you can give me a head start by soaking me in lukewarm water for a few hours before planting. This softens my coat and encourages the life inside to swell. Plant me about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the prepared soil. Any deeper, and I might exhaust my energy reserves before reaching the sunlight. Space my fellow seeds about 18 to 24 inches apart. We may look small now, but we will grow into large, bushy plants that need ample air circulation to stay healthy. Keep our soil consistently moist, but never soggy, and we should break through the soil surface within 10 to 14 days.
Once my seedlings are a few inches tall and have developed a set of true leaves, I am ready to be thinned or transplanted to my final spacing. This reduces competition for water, nutrients, and light. As I grow, my roots will spread and delve deeper. A layer of mulch around my base will help conserve that precious moisture and keep my root zone cool. While I am not excessively thirsty, I do appreciate a deep watering during prolonged dry spells, encouraging my roots to grow downward. To support my eventual great height and heavy flower spikes, staking me early is a wise kindness that will prevent me from toppling over in a strong wind.
