I have some hollyhock seed and I was wondering if I could start them inside? I live in Wisconsin. How long would it take for them to grow indoors?
Yes, you can start them indoors; however, most people prefer to sow the seed directly outdoors once the threat of frost has ceased. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
If I remove rust affected leaves on my hollyhocks, will flowers still bloom? I am having a terrible time with rust. I've dusted them with powder. Is there anything else I can do?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/learn-about-plant-rust-disease-and-rust-treatment.htm
There are brown scale looking things on the back of my hollyhock leaves. They are still blooming, but the lower leaves are dying. I live in deep southwest Louisiana. What is this, and what do I do to stop it?
This is scale and can be treated with neem oil. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
What should be used to stop bugs from eating the leaves on hollyhocks?
The following articles should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/how-to-make-white-oil-for-an-insecticide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I planted hollyhock bulbs about 4-5 weeks ago, only an inch below the ground. I have watered faithfully and still no show. Do you think they have rotted? I planted about 10 bulbs.
Hollyhocks do not grow from bulbs, though their is a tuberous variety. 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. This article will help with growing them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hollyhock/tips-on-hollyhocks-growing-hollyhocks-successfully.htm
Every year, our hollyhocks get 'eaten alive', leaving just a 'skeleton' of the leaves. This is the first year I saw the flying black-bodied, red-head insects about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. How can I protect our hollyhocks from being ruined, including dying out of the bottom leaves?
Sounds like a case of the hollyhock weevil. This small beetle eats holes in leaves, flower buds and seeds. They are easily controlled with a variety of products, such as Neem oil. This repellent is toxic to the hollyhock weevil. Also, permethrin (Eight) or carbaryl (Sevin) will work. Rotenone is an effective botanical pesticide. Hollyhock weevil doesn't usually kill plants, but it can make the leaves look pretty ragged.
The leaves of my hollyhocks (single, 'perennial') are made lacy (and eventually turned brown) by something that eats them. The recommended treatment for hollyhock weevils is Orthane, but it is not sold in New York. Are there other treatments, or might there be another cause of the lacy leaves?
Best control is regular inspection of plants. Remove and destroy seed pods before larvae emerge. Adults can be shaken from the plant. Occasionally, insecticidal soaps can help relieve problems as well.