How deep do I plant hollyhock seeds? And how far apart?
The seeds only need to be right below the soil, no more than 1/4 of an inch deep. The plants should be about 2 feet apart to grow well.
The article didn't address planting hollyhock bulbs. Is there any difference?
Hollyhocks do not grow from bulbs. Hollyhocks are often treated as biennials, but they are actually short-lived perennials with string-like root systems. They are typically grown from seeds (sown outdoors during spring or summer) or from established plants. They really don't like to be transplanted, however, so sowing them directly in the garden works best. Many will even self-sow, depending on your climate.
I bought a bag of five mixed hollyhock roots at Walmart. The pictures on the package demonstrated how to plant them but don't look like mine, which are kind of carrot shaped. My question is, which way is up? Do you plant them pointy tip side up or down?
Generally, hollyhocks are best grown from seed. However, they can also be grown from their tuberous bare root. You can place them in the ground with the pointy taproot facing down. But don't be alarmed if you accidentally place them wrong side up. Plants have an amazing ability to grow anyway.
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
I have a small garden close to the house with onions-radishes-spinach and lettuce. In the middle a few hollyhocks were about 9 inches high from last year and I went out yesterday and they had been eaten to the quick. What animal or pest would of done that?
They took the whole plant to the woody root. Thank you - Shelly
Deer will do that. Even if you have a fence, a deer can clear a 6' fence without needing any runup. This article might help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
We planted dwarf hollyhocks last spring. They are full and dark green, but have not yet produced one flower. What could the problem be?
They lack phosphorus. Give them a phosphorus rich fertilizer. This article will explain more: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
How do I prevent the leaves from losing pigment? Already they are blotchy and different shades of green. It happens every year. Is this a serious disease? Thanks.
It sounds like you may have powdery mildew. Hollyhocks are prone to this and it does make them look blotchy with varying shades of dusty green. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/powdery-mildew-homemade-and-organic-remedies.htm
I have been tryng to grow hollyhocks from seeds and despite the length of time (about a month) and the loving care, they are only an inch tall. Something has eaten all the leaves off some, leaving me with only a few babies to hopefully grow. Do you have any suggestions for my problem?
If they are shorn off, it is likely deer. If they have been chewed away a leaf at a time, it is slugs. It may also be rabbits. These are the normal pests that create that kind of damage. Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/facts-about-slugs-and-how-to-kill-garden-slugs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/how-to-keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm