MIXED HEIRLOOM HOLLYHOCKS

Alcea rosea

THE STORY OF THESE HOLLYHOCKS ROOTS:

My first hollyhock seeds were a gift from my best friend in 2018, and she

received them from her Aunt in the 1970s. A seed of love and magick passed

from one hand to another, given to me by someone close to my heart and soul.

Now, from my heart and my magickal garden, I share our love with you. 

When you plant these babies, you are receiving all the generations of love and magick from their ancestors

and all those who cared for them. May my babies surround you with love, protection, and magick!

TRANSPLANT & CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

Sunlight: Full Sun (Requires 6+ hours of direct light). Please slowly transition her back into full sun upon arrival so the foliage doesn't scorch.

Planting: Gently remove the starter from this pot and plant directly into well-drained soil, spacing multiple plants 18–24  inches apart. 

Water: Keep soil consistently moist until established. Once settled, water deeply at the base when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.

Growth & Support: These have grown from 3 to 8 feet tall! Most hollyhocks are biennials (developing foliage the first year and blooming in the second). They may need staking or to be planted against a fence or wall for support.

HARVESTING SEEDS: 

Let seed heads turn brown and dry on the stem before collecting to plant for the next season. 

LITTLE WITCH'S CORNER & CULTIVATION SECRETS:

How did I plant my own hollyhocks? I didn't! I literally threw the seeds straight into the rocks and let nature take over. 

A FAIR WARNING FOR CAT OWNERS:

Hollyhocks are absolute magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. If you have cats, I highly suggest NOT planting these right outside a favorite window. Otherwise, you will have your cats popping straight out the screen window to get to them! Trust me on this—I cannot open my kitchen window once they bloom until fall when I finally cut them down.

WINTER CARE & SHARING THE LOVE:

In the fall, when the stalks turn brown, cut them down to the ground. Save the dry seed pods and share the love with your neighbors, because these babies will give you that love in beautiful abundance.

BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION PROFILE:

These heirlooms do vital ecological work in the garden. They support the life cycle of Painted Lady butterflies as a critical host plant for their caterpillars. They attract a wide range of native pollinators, including bumble bees, carpenter bees, green metallic sweat bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and nocturnal white-lined sphinx moths. They are a powerhouse for supporting biodiversity.

A RITUAL FOR SETTING ROOT:

Before you press this living entity into the dark earth, hold the pot gently in your palms. Take a moment and just breathe and connect with her and feel her. Whisper your deepest intentions for the coming season into its leaves. 

Plant this ally where you seek fierce protection or wish to reach bold new heights. As they sink their deep roots into your soil, remember that we, too, are deeply rooted and eternally connected. As they grow tall, may they remind you of your own strength, and 

as these flowers bloom, may they reflect the evolving beauty of your own magical journey.

From my garden to yours, from root to spirit, this living entity is a sacred teacher, powerful ally, and your bridge to nature's deep wisdom.