A true English Cottage Garden Stalwart. Hollyhocks have been adored since the Elizabethan times but it wasn’t until Essex horticulturalist called Charter spent decades improving the strains to finally release ‘Charter’s Double’ in the 1880’s. With is towers of peony like blooms in shades or yellow, vermillion, rose pink & maroon, they are still a show stopper even today. 
 
CULTURE – Sow Feb – April in seed trays undercover with a little warmth (Germination usually take 2 weeks) When plants are large enough, transfer to individual pots & then when matured, transfers to the final location once all rick of frost has pasted. It is always worth plant in blocks or 3,5,7 etc to experience the visual impact but ensure there is plenty of air circulation to prevent rust. Like Sweet Williams, Hollyhocks usually flower the following year after sowing.