You can definitely prefer your hollyhocks for the next season in the apartment or in a heated greenhouse. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Hollyhocks can also be sown outdoors.
From May the hollyhock can move outdoors
Sow hollyhocks correctly
If you would like to grow your hollyhocks in winter, start sowing around February. You can still sow indoors in March, but from April onwards, outdoor cultivation is recommended. Hollyhocks grown outdoors are more robust and hardy than those grown in warm rooms.
The seeds of the hollyhock are large enough to be distributed individually in the nursery pot. This will make it easier for you to transplant the young plants later. Water the seeds well and keep them evenly moist during the germination period. After about 2 - 3 weeks the first green leaves can be seen. A few weeks later you can carefully prick out the seedlings.
Plant out hollyhocks
If the days are already pleasantly mild in May, then put your indoor hollyhocks outside by the hour during the day. This way they can slowly get used to the sun and the fresh air. If no more night frost is to be expected, then plant the hollyhocks in the sunniest possible location.
Hollyhocks sown outdoors should be transplanted in autumn, which gives them enough time to grow and form their deep taproots before winter. Next year you can look forward to the colorful blooms from around June or July.
The essentials in brief:
- Preponing in the warm possible but not necessary
- Cover seeds with soil (dark germs)
- Keep seed evenly moist
- Germination time approx. 2 - 3 weeks
- Prick young plants
- keep sufficient distance when planting out
- Outdoor sowing produces more resilient plants
tips
Hollyhocks brought forward in February can still bloom in the year of sowing. If you have decided on these plants late, there is still a chance of early flowering.