I've been collecting various Hollyhock seeds from the neighborhood to plant for next year's front yard border. I've been storing them in paper envelopes. When I went to add more seeds today, I noticed the weevils crawling up the side of the envelope. I've smashed as many as I could see but now I'm concerned that the seeds will be useless because obviously the weevils have laid eggs in some of them. Is there a way to fumigate the seeds to kill the eggs? Is it possible to inspect the seeds to see if they're still good? Or should I just dump the whole lot and buy the plants from the nursery?
I have heard that putting the seeds in a container (or envelope) for about a week or so will kill off the weevils. If you put them in an airtight container(glass/plastic), allow it to sit at room temp before opening. Though I personally have not tried this and can, therefore, not swear to its effectiveness, I think it would still be worth a try before dumping the seeds completely. If the seeds have already been devoured inside by the weevils, though, their viability, of course, will be zero.
It may be worth learning how to look for and treat the weevil issue on the plants by sharing the following article with your neighbors, which will reduce the chances of infected seeds: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/controlling-hollyhock-weevils.htm
My hollyhocks aren't growing stalks, only leaves and few at that. I planted them from seed indoors in the spring and they did well at first. I moved them to a large self-watering planter to give them plenty of room and used a soilless medium. The leaves grow from individual stems, never more than three stems each, and only one leaf per stem. There are no signs of a stalk and the leaves wither and surrogate down to the base. I have tried using supports but the stems just sag. I have no sign of rust that I know of. The growing medium is always moist so they aren't lacking water. They are in a west-facing window so get lots of light in the afternoon. Why are they not thriving? Is it just too soon? Also, do I need to prop up the leaves? (They end up growing horizontally, presumably because they're too heavy). I appreciate any advice I can get!
Holly Hocks will need to be grown outdoors to meet the soil and sun requirements.
You can start the plants indoors but in order to grow this plant, that can reach height of 9 ft tall, you will need to move outdoors.
Here is a link with growing information.
I planted 9 Hollyhock plants and only 3 have bloomed this year. I followed all directions mentioned in your article. Is there anything else I can do?
If they are having difficulty blooming, the soil could be lacking phosphorus, which is responsible for flowering. Adding a phosphorus rich fertilizer or bone meal to the soil should help with this.
A friend gave them to me on Sept 9. She had them in pots in her back garden on the path. They are only about one and a half inches high and have one or two leaves the same measurement across. One has wilted in the wind and sun, even though I watered it.
I thought I might have to keep them on a sunny window ledge all winter, that means the bathroom or stairs. All the rest of the rooms have ledges over radiators.
I have grown hollyhocks for the first time. When do I cut back for gauranteed growth in their second year? Mine are less than one year growth.
You can cut them back during your fall cleanup, or now, if the flowers have finished for the season. Here is more info on growing these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
I bought a hollyhock plant with beautiful flowers. I replanted it in a large earthen pot. It is growing beautifully with lots of buds, but just before blooming the buds become brown and fall off. What am I doing wrong? It is in full sun and well watered.
I would inspect your hollyhock for an insect infestation, particularly for thrips. More information on thrips can be found here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-thrips.htm
When to plant the seeds of hollyhocks in Northern Vic?
Hollyhocks don't like to be transplanted so direct sowing is best.
Plant out into the garden as soon as the weather is ready for any planting.