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Hollyhocks are considered by many gardeners to be a classic cottage garden flower. Single and double hollyhocks come in a wide range of colors and can make a beautiful display in an ornamental garden. In the past, taller varieties were used to add interest to the back of flower beds or as temporary privacy screens. However, newer cultivars now come in more compact and dwarf forms.
Collecting hollyhock seeds is a simple way to make more plants, just like it is for other open-pollinated flowers. Gardeners will be able to grow their favorite types of plants for many years to come if they learn more about this process. What do hollyhock seeds look like though?.
With their tall spires of brightly colored flowers, hollyhocks add charming old-fashioned appeal to gardens. These biennials only live for two seasons but can continue delighting for years when their seeds are properly saved. Learning how to collect and store hollyhock seeds ensures you can propagate more beautiful plants.
When to Harvest Hollyhock Seeds
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Wait until flowers fade after midsummer bloom and seed pods start forming.
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Watch for pods to turn brown and become dry and brittle. Gently squeeze to check.
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Harvest on a dry, sunny day to prevent mold growth on wet seeds.
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Ideal timing is typically late summer into early fall depending on your climate.
Collecting Hollyhock Seeds
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Use scissors or pruners to carefully snip off pods without dropping seeds
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Place pods in a small bucket or paper bag as you harvest
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Open pods and shake or tap gently over a tray to catch seeds as they fall out.
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Expect a generous amount of seeds from just a few spent flower pods,
Cleaning and Drying Hollyhock Seeds
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Rub seeds gently between fingers to remove chaff and debris.
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Sieve to separate seeds if needed. Discard any damaged seeds.
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Spread seeds in a single layer on a towel or baking sheet. Keep out of direct sun.
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Allow seeds to dry for around 1 week, turning occasionally for even drying.
Storing Hollyhock Seeds
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Transfer thoroughly dry seeds to paper envelopes or airtight glass jars.
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Label containers with variety and harvest date.
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Keep stored seeds in a cool, dry spot like a pantry or drawer.
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Ideal storage temperature is around 70° F. Avoid humidity fluctuations.
Testing Seed Viability Before Planting
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Do a germination test by placing some seeds on damp paper towels.
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Check back in 1 week. If most seeds have sprouted, they are likely still good to plant.
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Test in early spring before sowing to confirm seeds survived storage.
How to Plant Saved Hollyhock Seeds
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Direct sow seeds outdoors in prepared soil after the last frost.
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Or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to your frost-free date.
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Plant seeds 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep moist until sprouting occurs.
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Transplant indoor seedlings out to the garden once weather warms up.
Tips for Successfully Saving Hollyhock Seeds
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Inspect plants and pick only from your healthiest specimens for seed saving.
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When harvesting pods, use care not to scatter seeds.
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Allow pods and seeds proper time to fully mature and dry before collecting seeds.
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Check seeds for any signs of damage, mold, or discoloration before storage.
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Date packets or jars and use oldest seeds first the following year. Discard any leftovers after 1-2 years.
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Store seeds under cool, dark, and dry conditions for best longevity.
Common Questions About Saving Hollyhock Seeds
How long do hollyhock seeds last in storage?
With optimal storage conditions, hollyhock seeds typically remain viable for 1-2 years before germination rates start dropping off. Always test older seeds before planting.
Can you save seeds from double hollyhocks?
Yes, double hollyhock seeds can be saved just like single flower varieties. Take care not to mix up seed batches from different cultivars.
What causes hollyhock seeds not to sprout?
Old or improperly stored seeds often fail to sprout. Other issues like seed rot, mold, or long-term exposure to humidity or hot temperatures can also impair germination.
How do you store hollyhock seeds long term?
For best longevity, store hollyhock seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator or freezer. Maintain low humidity and stable cool temperatures around 70°F.
Do hollyhock seeds need stratification?
No, hollyhock seeds do not require cold stratification or other special preparation before sowing. Simply plant seeds directly in prepared soil once the danger of frost has passed.
With a little practice, saving hollyhock seeds becomes an easy and rewarding annual garden ritual. Plus, it allows you to continue growing treasured varieties and share these beautiful flowers with others. Simply follow proper harvesting, processing, storage, and planting techniques for successfully propagating hollyhocks from season to season.
How to Save Hollyhock Seeds
Hollyhock plants go through a growth cycle that can help people who want to learn how to harvest hollyhock seeds. Hollyhock plants are considered to be biennials. This means that the plant will germinate, grow, and bloom within two growing seasons. During the first season, gardeners can expect the production of large mounds of leaves. After the plant has overwintered, it will begin to put on new growth in the spring. In its second summer, each plant will elongate and produce flowers over the entire length of the stalk. As hollyhock blooms are often frequented by bees, pollination occurs readily. Once each flower has faded, gardeners should allow several weeks to pass before attempting to harvest the seed.
Hollyhock seed pods will begin to form at the base of each spent flower. At this time, all of the faded flower petals will have dropped from the plant. Generally, hollyhock pods are light green in color and have a somewhat flat appearance. As time passes, each seed pod will fade from green to shades of tan or brown. This means that the outside of each pod can be checked to see if it has become dry or papery. Dark brown seeds that are fully grown are often tightly packed together in a pattern that looks like coins around the middle of the pod.
Provided that the seed pods are dry, they can then be removed from the plant. When growers do this, they should always wear gloves because hollyhock plants can irritate people with sensitive skin. Collecting the seed at its peak maturity is essential. Seeds that have been harvested too soon may rot or fail to germinate completely. It might be tempting to leave the seeds on the plant for a long time, but when they are fully grown, the seed pods will crack open on the stem, letting the seed fall to the ground. It is for this reason that many experienced gardeners have found hollyhock plants to be a vigorous self-seeder.
After harvest, mature hollyhock seed should be allowed to dry further for at least one to two days. It can then be stored in a cool, dark place until planting time. There will be times when you have to be very patient with hollyhock plants in their first few years, but the flowers that come back every year will add an old-fashioned look.