These are classic Hardy Biennials.

They follow the traditional two-year rhythm that defines the cottage garden style.

The Timeline:
Year 1 (The Green Year): Sow in summer. The plant grows a large, low rosette of rough leaves and establishes a deep taproot.
Year 2 (The Flower Year): It sends up majestic 2-metre spikes, blooms all summer, and drops seeds before dying back (though many will survive for a 3rd year).

Top Tip: This mix is designed to self-seed! Let the pods ripen and drop, and you will have a permanent, evolving display.

Hollyhocks have long taproots, so handle them gently.

Germination:
Sow indoors in April-May or outdoors in June-July. Sow seeds 1cm deep. If sowing indoors, use deep pots (like root trainers) to prevent the root spiralling. Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. A spot against a warm wall or fence is ideal, as it shelters the tall stems from strong winds.

Care While Growing:
Rust Control: To keep the leaves healthy, water only at the base (never on the foliage) and ensure plants aren't overcrowded.
Staking: In exposed gardens, these giants may need a bamboo cane to keep them upright during summer storms.

Combine these giants with other cottage classics for a tiered border:

• 💙 Delphinium 'Summer Skies': The Blue Contrast. Hollyhocks rarely come in true blue. Planting sky-blue Delphiniums alongside your mixed Hollyhocks adds the missing piece of the colour puzzle.
• 🦊 Foxgloves (Digitalis): The Succession Plan. Foxgloves flower in early summer (June), just before the Hollyhocks really get going (July/August). Planting both ensures you have tall spires all season long.

Sow in summer. Plant out in autumn. Flowers the following summer.