Help with Hollyhocks

12 years ago

I wintersowed black and burgundy hollyhocks that I got in trade and pink and red ones from my plants. I have one black seedling, 2 burgundy ones and no pink or red. I sowed them all in the same mg potting soil(all I could find at the time). I sowed more 2 weeks ago and no germination yet. What could be wrong? I collected my seeds when the pods were completely dry and breaking open so I am sure they were ripe. I had great germination in my other containers with the same potting soil. Any insight to share?

Comments (3)

linda_jo
Original Author
12 years ago
Hello...where is everyone? Does anyone have any special tips for urging hollyhock seeds to germinate? Do you think they will do better now that it's getting hot here? It's been in the 90s this week. I am really in zone 7 but I am unable to change my profile info. Thanks for any suggestions as I really wanted a big stand of hh. Linda Jo
goblugal
12 years ago
Linda Jo - the problem is quite possibly the seed you collected. Alcea is notorious for producing low quality seed, even in commercial operations. Take a few seeds and remove the outer hull. You should find a plump kidney shaped seed inside. That is the actual seed - if it isn't developed, it isn't going to germinate. Viable seed germinates pretty quickly - within a week.
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linda_jo
Original Author
12 years ago
goblugal, Thank you! I will check it out. So if I open hulls and free the seed (thought the hull WAS the seed!) I may have better germination. Wow those seeds have protection- a pod and a hull. I have hope now.

Linda Jo