Growing Tips for Hollyhocks  We've tried to start hollyhocks
around our house, but haven't had any luck. Can you share some
sure-fire growing tips?  —Andy and Karen Irish, Alburg, Vermont
Melinda: Most commonly grown hollyhocks are biennial, which
means they grow some foliage in the first year and taller
flowering stems during the second. To start hollyhocks from
seed, plant them in midsummer in soil you've improved with
organic matter and then water as needed. You also can ask a
friend or neighbor for a few young seedlings that have two to
three true leaves. Plant these in your garden in early fall.
Once your first plant blooms, you'll have more hollyhocks than
you have space to grow. They freely reseed.  Follow us  facebook
twitter Pinterest google+