10 Seeds Alcea rosea Summer Carnival Mixed Colors Double Hollyhock

Alcea rosea Summer Carnival is a tall, old-fashioned hollyhock prized for its fully double blooms in a lively mix of colors. These sturdy, upright plants create a striking vertical accent in borders, along fences, and against walls, and they are a classic choice for cottage-style gardens and cut flower arrangements.

The plants form basal clumps of rounded green foliage, then send up tall flower spikes covered with densely petaled blooms. Colors typically include shades of pink, red, yellow, white, and purple. Hollyhocks are short-lived perennials that often behave as biennials. For best results, provide consistent moisture and good air circulation, and stake tall stems in windy sites. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued bloom, or allow some seed heads to mature if you want plants to self-sow.
Species: Alcea rosea
Variety: Summer Carnival
Type: Herbaceous perennial often grown as a biennial
Plant_Habit: Upright, tall flower spikes
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
Days_to_Harvest: Not applicable
Zones: 3 to 9
Germination: 10 to 21 days at 65 to 70F
Sowing: Surface sow, lightly press into soil; light aids germination
Spacing: 18 to 24 inches apart
Notes: Stake tall stems; allow self-sowing for continued presence