Hollyhock Planting Guide
Stately cottage-garden biennial with tall spikes of single or double flowers
Best Time and Place to Plant Hollyhock
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Hollyhock in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 80F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 24 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 80F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; drought tolerant once established; avoid wetting foliage
- Days to harvest: 365
Fertilization
- Balanced 10-10-10 synthetic: Monthly light feeding during bloom
- Compost organic: 2-3 inches worked into soil
Companion Plants
- Roses
- Foxglove
- Delphinium
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Flowers open progressively from bottom to top of spike
- Blooms in second year for biennial types
- Self-sows readily — thin seedlings in spring
- Remove spent stalks to ground level after blooming
FAQs
When should I plant Hollyhock?
Hollyhock planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Hollyhock?
The best time of year to plant Hollyhock is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 80F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Hollyhock?
Plant Hollyhock in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 80F, and enough room for 24 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Hollyhock?
Plant Hollyhock about 24 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Hollyhock?
Hollyhock is commonly paired with Roses, Foxglove, Delphinium.