Hollyhock Summer Carnival Seed

 

Hollyhock Summer Carnival (Alcea rosea L.) is a spectacular biennial to short lived perennial, admired for its tall spires densely packed with large, ruffled, double blooms in a stunning mix of colours, including pink, red, yellow, and white.

 

These dramatic flowers create a cottage-garden atmosphere, rising majestically above borders and adding impressive vertical interest to any outdoor space.

 

Blooming from mid to late summer, this variety provides a long-lasting display that is highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable choice for wildlife friendly planting schemes. With strong, upright stems, Summer Carnival makes an excellent background plant for beds and borders, while also producing striking cut flowers for indoor arrangements.

 

Seed Qty: Approx. 0.6 grams

 

Sow: February – May (indoors) or May – June (outdoors)

Germination: 14 – 21 days

Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained soil, neutral to slightly alkaline pH

Height/Spread: 150 – 200 cm tall, 40 – 60 cm spread

Flowering: July – September (the following year if sown late)

Companion Plants: Delphiniums, Foxgloves, Lupins

Avoid Planting With: Low-growing shade-loving plants that may be overwhelmed

 

Sowing Instructions

 

Indoors: Sow from February to May in seed trays filled with good-quality compost. Cover seeds lightly with compost and keep at 18–21°C, ensuring the soil remains moist. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into pots and grow on in cooler, bright conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost.

 

Outdoors: Sow directly in May or June in a well-prepared seedbed. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart, transplanting them in autumn to their flowering position for blooms the following summer.

 

Hollyhock Summer Carnival is perfect for creating a bold cottage garden look with its towering spikes of colourful, double blooms. Ideal for back borders, wildlife gardens, and cut flower displays, this variety adds drama and elegance to any planting scheme.