Hollyhocks are classic cottage garden flowers that add gorgeous height and color to any garden Their statuesque blooms on tall stalks are biennial, meaning the plants bloom every other year. Luckily, saving hollyhock seeds from season to season is an easy way to sow new plants so you can enjoy their beauty year after year
In this comprehensive guide you’ll learn when and how to collect hollyhock seeds how to prepare them for storage, and how to plant them next season. With just a bit of time and effort, you can propagate hollyhocks indefinitely!
When Are Hollyhock Seeds Ready to Harvest?
Hollyhocks bloom in mid to late summer. Once the flowers fade, seed pods start to form at the base of each one. The pods are initially green but turn brown as they mature. Here are signs the seeds are ready to collect:
- Seed pods are dry and brittle. Gently squeeze them and they should crack.
- Pods turn from green to tan or brown.
- Seeds inside are dark brown.
- Many pods split open naturally, scattering seeds.
Seed pods reach peak maturity in late summer or early fall. Hot dry weather accelerates the ripening process. Check pods daily once most flowers have faded. Harvest on a dry day to prevent mold.
How to Collect Hollyhock Seeds
Follow these simple steps for harvesting hollyhock seeds:
Gather Supplies
- Pruners or scissors
- Small bucket or paper bag
- Envelopes or containers for storage
Remove Seed Pods
- Carefully cut dry, mature pods off the stems.
- Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
- Place pods in a bucket or bag.
Extract the Seeds
- Gently shake or tap pods to release seeds.
- Open pods and remove seeds if needed.
- Discard pods after removing all seeds.
How to Clean and Dry Hollyhock Seeds
After collecting seeds, take a few extra steps to clean and dry them before storage:
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Gently rub seeds between fingers to remove pod debris.
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Use a fine mesh sieve to separate small debris.
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Check for damage and discard any abnormal seeds.
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Spread seeds in a single layer on a paper towel or baking sheet.
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Place in a warm, dry spot out of direct sunlight.
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Allow seeds to dry for about 1 week, turning occasionally.
Proper drying prevents mold growth and keeps seeds viable for future planting.
How to Store Hollyhock Seeds
Once fully dried, store hollyhock seeds in a cool, dark place:
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Use paper envelopes, glass jars, or plastic containers.
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Label with variety and harvest date.
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Ideal storage spots are the refrigerator or freezer.
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A pantry or drawer works too.
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Avoid humid areas or places with temperature fluctuations.
With proper storage, hollyhock seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
How to Test Seed Viability Before Planting
Before planting saved seeds the following season, test their viability:
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Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel and fold it over.
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Put the towel in a sealed plastic bag.
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Store the bag somewhere warm and check daily.
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Viable seeds will sprout within 5-7 days.
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Discard seeds that fail to germinate.
This simple germination test ensures your saved seeds will grow.
How to Plant Hollyhock Seeds
In early spring, sow hollyhock seeds directly outdoors or start them indoors:
Outdoors
- Prepare a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
- Wait until after the last frost to sow seeds.
- Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep in rows 18-24 inches apart.
Indoors
- Start seeds 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost.
- Use seed starting mix and containers with drainage.
- Gently press seeds into soil, keep moist.
- Thin or transplant seedlings outside after hardening off.
The Reward of Growing Hollyhocks from Seed
With proper harvest, storage, and planting techniques, you can easily save hollyhock seeds year after year. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous flowers and the satisfaction of propagating a beloved heirloom flower yourself. The time investment is minimal compared to the joy these classic beauties will bring to your garden for seasons to come.
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How To Collect and Save Hollyhock Seeds – How to Prune Hollyhocks
FAQ
When should you harvest hollyhock seeds?
Once each flower has faded, gardeners should allow several weeks to pass before attempting to harvest the seed. Hollyhock seed pods will begin to form at the base of each spent flower. At this time, all of the faded flower petals will have dropped from the plant.
Are Hollyhock plants self-seeders?
Though it may be tempting to leave the seeds on the plant for an extended period, mature seed pods are known to crack open on the stem, thus releasing the seed into the garden. It is for this reason that many experienced gardeners have found hollyhock plants to be a vigorous self-seeder.
Are Hollyhock seeds easy to collect?
Hollyhock seeds are easy to collect and save in your garden. If you grow hollyhocks you probably are already familiar with what hollyhock weevils look like. Hollyhock seeds are easy to collect and save in your garden.
How do you grow hollyhocks?
Prepare the Soil: Hollyhocks prefer well-drained soil and a sunny location. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and adding compost. Plant the Seeds: Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist until they germinate. I start hollyhock seeds indoors to give them a head start.
How do you harvest HollyHock seeds?
Let’s walk through the steps together. The first step in collecting hollyhock seeds is knowing when they’re ready. Hollyhock flowers bloom in mid-summer to early fall, and once they’ve finished, they form seed pods. Here’s how to identify the right time to harvest: Wait for the Seed Pods to Dry: The seed pods develop after the flowers fade.
Can HollyHock seeds be removed?
Provided that the seed pods are dry, they can then be removed from the plant. Growers should always wear gloves when doing so, as hollyhock plants are known to irritate the skin of sensitive individuals. Collecting the seed at its peak maturity is essential. Seeds that have been harvested too soon may rot or fail to germinate completely.
How long do HollyHock seeds last?
Brock says, ‘Properly stored, hollyhock seeds can stay viable for up to three years, but they’re most reliable when used within a year or two.’ It’s worth noting that hollyhock seeds are biennials, which means they will put on leafy growth in their first year after sowing, and then bloom in the second year.