Alcea, Hollyhock, Black Watchman ~ 60 seeds
- Sun Preference
- Full-Sun
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Fall
Description
Alcea rosea
Biennial
Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardy
A butterfly, bee, & hummingbird favorite!
This beautiful heirloom variety, grown by Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, has been carefully reselected for Renee by the best Dutch seedsmen for classic form and rich color. The big 3 to 4 inch hibiscus-like blossoms have satiny petals in a wonderful deep dark maroon that shades to pure black. Black Watchman’s blooms unfurl slowly on sturdy tall 5 to 7 foot stalks and make a singular and striking garden display, setting off all the other flowers around them.
Seed Starting Successfully
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Details
Plant In: March - June
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Planting Depth: 1/2 inch
Space Seeds: 6 - 8 inches
Days to Germinate: 7 - 14 days
Mature Height: 5 - 7 feet
EASIEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Plant seeds in full sun in ordinary garden soil in spring after danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 6 to 8 inches apart. Keep moist until germination in 7 to 14 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before last expected frost date. Sow 2 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep in flats or individual containers of seed starting mix. Provide a strong light source and keep mix evenly moist to await germination in 7 to 14 days. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant 18 to 24 inches apart after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart so plants have ample room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Black Watchman may bloom the first year from seed if planted early in spring. Planted later, it will bloom the following summer. After blossoms fade, cut off the spent flower stalks just above the ground. Fertilize well and continue to water plants as needed, then roots will push another flush of enchanting flower spires to open in fall.
More Information
| Brand | Renee's Garden |
|---|---|
| Seed Packet Type | Flowers |
| Common Family Name | Hollyhock |
| Sun Preference | Full-Sun |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Bloom Time | Summer, Fall |
| Plant Life Cycle | Biennial |
| Mature Height (Range) | 61" - 72", 73" + |
| Spacing in Row | 6-8", thin/transplant 18-24" apart |
| Planting Depth | 1/2" |
| Days to Germination | 7-14 days |