Holyhock - Henry 8th - Black

HOLLYHOCK ‘Henry VIII Black’ –  Seeds

(Alcea rosea)

Dramatic, moody, and utterly regal, Henry VIII Black Hollyhock is a striking addition to any garden. With its deep, velvety mahogany blooms—so dark they appear almost black—this towering heirloom variety creates a breathtaking backdrop in cottage gardens and along fences. Reaching up to 150cm tall, it boasts stately spires of flowers that bloom throughout summer, adding height, movement, and old-world charm to your landscape.

A magnet for pollinators, Henry VIII Black invites butterflies, honeybees, bumblebees, and even hummingbirds into your garden, making it as beneficial as it is beautiful.

🌱 How to Grow Hollyhocks from Seed

🌿 Sowing Indoors (Recommended for Best Results)

1. Timing: Start seeds indoors in early spring or Autumn to get a head start on the growing season.
2. Sowing Depth: Sow 10mm deep in seed trays or individual pots filled with a light, well-draining seed mix.
3. Humidity & Temperature: Cover with cling wrap (poke a few holes for airflow) and keep at 18–22°C.
4. Watering: Mist lightly with a spray bottle to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Germination: Seeds will sprout in 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be hardened off for transplanting outdoors.

🌿 Direct Sowing in the Garden
Hollyhocks can also be direct sown in late spring to early summer, or Early Autumn though they may not bloom until their second year.

1. Choose a Site: Select a sunny, well-drained spot—hollyhocks love full sun and rich, fertile soil.
2. Prepare the Soil: Loosen the top 20cm of soil, mix in compost, and ensure good drainage.
3. Sowing: Sow seeds 10mm deep and space 30–50cm apart to allow for airflow (this helps prevent rust, a common hollyhock issue).
4. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings establish.

🌿 Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors

• Once the risk of frost has passed and seedlings are 10–15cm tall, they can be planted out.
• Spacing: Plant 30–50cm apart to allow room for growth.
• Support: Taller plants may benefit from staking, especially in windy areas.

🌿 Ongoing Care

• Watering: Deep, infrequent watering is best—avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of rust.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Fertilizing: Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong, healthy plants.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to prolong blooming, or leave some to self-seed for future seasons.
• Winter Care: 
  • In colder climates, cut back stems after flowering and apply a layer of mulch for winter protection.

   

  🌿 A classic cottage garden staple, grown, packed, and shipped with care from The Olde Creamery.