More Information
| Botanical Name |
Alcea rosea var. nigra |
| Seeds Per Pack |
25 |
| Life Cycle |
Biennial |
| Min. Time to Germinate |
10 Days |
| Max. Time to Germinate |
14 Days |
| Depth to Sow Seeds |
Surface Sow; press seeds gently into the soil to make good contact, but do not cover with any additional soil; these seeds require light to germinate |
| When to Sow |
Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost |
| Growing Height |
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) |
| Plant Spacing |
24-36 in. (60-90 cm) |
| Hardiness |
USDA Zone 5b: to -10F, USDA Zone 6a: to -5F, USDA Zone 6b: to 0F, USDA Zone 7a: to 5F, USDA Zone 7b: to 10F, USDA Zone 8a: to 15F, USDA Zone 8b: to 20F, USDA Zone 9a: to 25F, USDA Zone 9b: to 30F, USDA Zone 10a: to 35F |
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun |
| Danger |
N/A |
| Bloom Color |
Dark Purple/Black, Maroon (Purple-Brown) |
| Bloom Time |
Late Summer/Early Fall, Mid-Summer |
| Foliage |
Herbaceous |
| Other Details |
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater, Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season |
| Soil pH Requirements |
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) |
| Propagation Methods |
From seed; direct sow after last frost, From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse |
| Seed Collecting |
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds |
This variety was mentioned in 1629 and was planted in the gardens at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson. This traditional variety is shockingly beautiful with its near-black flowers with just a hint of red. Gorgeous planted out by the old white outhouse or in the back of your flower bed. A must for historical gardens. You’ll love this richly colored variety. Hollyhocks are great flowers to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees with. Plant this gorgeous old-fashioned flower in the back of your border.
