When summer comes to mind, hollyhocks are often one of the first flowers that pop up. Their towering stems filled with vibrant blooms can truly transform any garden.
But will you see flowers during the first year of hollyhock growth? It's crucial to understand that hollyhocks can be either biennial or perennial, which means they might bloom in their second year instead of the first. Many varieties need a bit more time to settle in before they flower.
Experts have shared insights on whether hollyhocks can flower in their inaugural year and how to effectively nurture these beautiful plants.
Can hollyhocks bloom in their first year?
While exploring flower bed designs or learning how to create your own flower bed, keep in mind that not all plants will produce blooms in their first year. Perennials and biennials typically need additional time to establish compared to annuals.
According to Alex Kantor, owner of a nursery, "Many hollyhock types are biennials, completing their life cycle over two years. The first year is dedicated to growing foliage and storing energy, while the second year is when blooms and seeds emerge."
Hollyhock seeds are usually sown in early summer, focusing on plant establishment during the first year, which means blooms are generally absent until the next growing season.
Alex has spent over 20 years in the horticultural field, having grown up on a farm. He specializes in landscape trees, shrubs, and indoor plants, passionate about sharing his gardening knowledge.
How to encourage hollyhocks to bloom in the first year
Some hollyhock varieties may behave like short-lived perennials, potentially flowering in their first year if planted early in spring or started indoors during the winter months, notes Alex.
To increase the chances of first-year blooms, plant hollyhocks early and in warm conditions. Starting seeds indoors before moving them outside can be beneficial.
"I chose to transplant my hollyhocks, which is likely why they bloomed this year," says Jen McDonald from Garden Girls. "Seeds require more time to establish roots and foliage. If you're eager for blooms, go with transplants instead," she advises.
For those opting to grow hollyhocks this way, experts suggest transplanting seedlings in summer to take advantage of warmer temperatures. Utilizing DIY indoor greenhouses can also aid in nurturing hollyhock seedlings during winter and spring.
Feeding hollyhocks can help boost blooming as well. According to Meredith Bishop, a sustainable flower grower, "A slow-release balanced fertilizer will nourish biennials over time, supporting their growth effectively."
Many balanced fertilizers are available, like this all-purpose balanced fertilizer from Amazon.
Jen is a gardening expert and co-founder of Garden Girls, LLC in Houston, TX. She manages 14 raised garden beds and grows a variety of plants, from cut flowers to vegetables.
Meredith Bishop specializes in sustainable flower growing, focusing on traditional blooms cultivated from seed in her Nashville, Tennessee gardens. She also runs a design studio, sharing her knowledge of flower gardening.
Tips for growing hollyhocks successfully
Red Hollyhocks
Red hollyhocks create striking vertical accents in your garden. They can reach heights of 4-8 feet, thriving in US hardiness zones 2-8.
Double Pink Hollyhocks
Double pink hollyhocks produce charming pompom blooms, growing up to 4-8 feet tall in a beautiful pink shade. Suitable for US hardiness zones 2-8.
Yellow Hollyhocks
These cheerful yellow hollyhocks can grow as tall as 4-8 feet, adding elegance to any floral display. They thrive in US hardiness zones 2-8.
Do hollyhocks rebloom after being cut back?
Hollyhocks bloom beautifully from summer to fall, but once their flowers fade, many choose to trim them back. You have a couple of options for what to do next.
By deadheading spent blooms, you can encourage a second flowering in the same season. Alternatively, you can allow the plant to go to seed, enabling it to self-sow new plants. Since hollyhocks are typically biennial or perennial, cutting them back after flowering can promote returns in their next blooming cycle.
While it's unlikely that hollyhocks will flower in their first year if directly planted in the ground, you can stimulate early blooms by starting seeds indoors or sowing them early in the season before transplanting.
For indoor sowing, consider creating a DIY seed tray and be mindful of common sowing mistakes.
