Two years ago I planted hollyhock (Alcea rosea) seeds in one of my garden beds, and waited patiently to see if they would germinate.
They did!
But I had to wait two years before the flowers bloomed.
That’s typical for hollyhocks, most which are biennials.
They spend their first year developing a rosette of green foilage. In the second year, hollyhocks send up tall, leafy stalks which form flower buds along the stalk.
Growing up, we had hollyhocks in the far corner of the backyard. Mom called them alley flowers, since she remembered them growing in alleys when she was young.
It was worth the wait, such beautiful deep maroon flowers began to bloom in the last couple days.
With several flower buds I expect will open this week.
