Can I save hollyhock seeds?

Question

My hollyhocks have been stunning this year. Can I save the seeds to plant next year?

Answer

Yes you can, although plants may vary from their parents.

Hollyhocks come in perennial and biennial varieties. Many perennials need a period of cold weather to promote germination, so generally perennial seeds are sown as soon as they are ripe, straight after they’re collected. Biennials should be sown the following year, July is ideal, because they need to form a winter rosette before flowering in their second year. Some varieties will flower as an annual if sown in March.

The round seed pods are easily collected, but it must be done on a dry day.

Large envelopes and paper bags are ideal and it’s an excellent idea to write a clear label when you harvest your seeds.

Hollyhock seed pods (left) and the roundel seeds inside (right)

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