Although it is not one of the extremely easy-care plants, caring for the hollyhock is really not complicated. With its large bright or pastel-colored flowers, it makes up for all the work, because it is really very decorative.

Hollyhocks don't like drought

Choose the location

With the right choice of location, you lay the foundation for the health of your hollyhock. She likes it very sunny. Although it will flower in partial shade, it is more susceptible to the dreaded mallow rust. So plant the hollyhock in the sunniest place you can give it.

Prepare the ground

The soil for your hollyhock should be rich in nutrients and permeable. If it's too tight, loosen it up. To do this, work in some coarse sand or gravel. Enrich nutrients with horn shavings, (32.93€) well-ripened compost or rotted manure.

Plant the hollyhock

Depending on the variety, the hollyhock is about 1.70 to well over two meters high. Accordingly, it also requires sufficient space. If you have decided to plant a group of hollyhocks, plan three to four plants per square meter. If you want to beautify a wall or fence, plant the hollyhocks about 40 cm apart.

Water and fertilize the hollyhock

As a relatively thirsty plant, the hollyhock should be watered regularly. During the flowering period, this can be daily. In poor soil, fertilize your hollyhock about every two weeks. If the soil is nutrient-rich, spring compost may be enough for the whole season. Otherwise give a small gift in the fall.

Cut the hollyhock

The hollyhock does not actually need regular pruning. The above-ground green disappears by itself in winter. But if you cut it off when it starts to wilt, you can prevent the dreaded rust fungus from damaging your hollyhock. A pruning before seed maturity also allows the hollyhock to bloom again next year.

diseases and pests

Two things in particular can affect your hollyhock and cause it serious damage, one is slugs and the other is mallow rust. Snails like to eat the young leaves, which are also edible for humans. The mallow rust is shown by yellow spots on the upper side of the leaves and should definitely be fought.

The best care tips for the hollyhock:

  • location with as much sun as possible
  • nutrient-rich soil
  • don't plant too densely
  • water regularly
  • fertilize twice a year
  • Timely pruning promotes flowering next year

tips

The most important care of the hollyhock is a sunny location and enough water.

Category:

Vegetable garden