How long does it take a newly transplanted hollyhock to produce flowers? Have no dealings with hollyhock. Wife remembers as child. If eaten by horses, are they poisonous?
Are you transplanting seedlings or a mature hollyhock? I am going to assume seedlings for now.
Hollyhocks usually flower the second year after they are planted since they are biennial. Some hollyhock varieties, however, bloom their first year if planted in early spring and take about 4 months to grow and mature. "Indian Summer", "Marjorette," and several "Spring Celebrities" varieties are considered first-year blooming varieties.
The ASPCA lists hollyhock as being non-poisonous to cats, dogs and horses.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/hollyhock
Last year I planted three hollyhocks that I purchased from a local garden center. The flowers were absolutely beautiful and they seemed to bloom profusely. However, some kind of insect eventually consumed all of the leaves. Ironically, none of the other flowers in my garden seemed to be affected. Also, none grew from seed the next year. I assume the plants self-seed themselves but not in my case. I even tried coating the leaves with a soapy solution to discourage any insects but to no avail. Is there a particular insect that infests Hollyhocks and how can I neutralize them?
Here are some links that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/winterizing-hollyhock-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
I planted Hollyhock seeds last year. The leaves grew huge and lush like elephant ears but they never bloomed. They got about 6 hours of sun and were watered faithfully. That was last year. Now this year some leaves have come back. What can I do to ensure they bloom this year?
Hollyhocks are actually biennials and will not flower until their 2nd year.
You should look for flowers this summer!
Here is an article with care information.
Can you send a picture of newly emerging hollyhocks that were planted as seeds?
Leaves are turning yellow.
Yellowing leaves can be an indicator of watering issues. To much or to little.
You can easily make adjustments to needed more water, but if they have received to much water you will need to watch a little more closely.
Last year I lost all my Hollyhocks to heavy rain. The good news is they are back again this year!
Here is a link to the care of Hollyhocks.
I planted seeds last year, read that they would only produce big leaves the first year, which they did. This year I am expecting them to flower, but it doesn't look like anything is producing yet. We didn't get a very cold winter this last year. Does that have something to do with it or should I just wait patiently and see what happens?
Optimize the growing conditions and avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer that can inhibit flowering.
You can also apply some phosphorous to encourage flowering.
Bone Meal is a good way to add phosphorous to the soil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/winterizing-hollyhock-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
I have a lot of hollyhocks in my garden and my next door neighbor wants starts off mine and right now they are blooming and looking beautiful. When fall comes when they are done blooming is it safe to dig into them and give her starts? Is fall the best time to give her starts? Thank you so much.
Yes, dividing or transplanting should be done after flowering. You may also collect the seed disks from the flower and plant them indoors during the winter to have them ready for spring.