The hollyhocks bloom from July to September. Their large flowers have a diameter of 6 - 10 cm and not only delight the garden owner, bumblebees also like the mallow plant. The flowers are even edible.

Hollyhocks also make good cut flowers

Do hollyhocks have to be cut regularly?

Hollyhocks do not need regular pruning. In the first year you should not even think about it, because during this time the hollyhock only forms a rosette of leaves. Only plants that have been raised indoors or sown in the previous autumn may already flower. However, the warm hollyhocks are less robust and hardy than those grown outdoors.

Pruning for longer blooms

In principle, the hollyhock belongs to the biennial perennials. In the year of sowing it does not bloom yet, only a rosette of leaves appears. Only in the second year can you look forward to the large, bright flowers.

If you prune your hollyhock after flowering and before seeds have set, it will sprout and flower again the next year, but less profusely and disease susceptibility also increases with age.

Are hollyhocks suitable for the vase?

The hollyhock is also suitable as a cut flower. Cut the stems when only three or four individual flowers have opened. More buds will then open in the vase. Change the water in the vase every two or three days to help your hollyhocks last longer.

Can I use hollyhocks in the kitchen?

The flowers and roots of the hollyhock are edible, both of which can be used in the kitchen or medicine cabinet. Only cut off undamaged and fully open flowers for consumption.

You can make a tea from it or use the flowers as an edible decoration. Cut the roots into small pieces before infusing. A tea made from hollyhocks is said to help with coughs and hoarseness, but also against loss of appetite and diarrhea.

The essentials in brief:

  • Pruning can allow flowering the following year
  • Hollyhock suitable as a cut flower
  • cut stems with 3 - 4 open flowers for the vase
  • Cut fresh flowers for consumption

tips

By pruning before seed formation, you can help your hollyhock live longer and bloom again next year.

Category:

Vegetable garden