Planting Miniature Hollyhocks

Overview

Hollyhocks are old-fashioned beauties that have been a favorite for years, but today's newer varieties include splashy miniature hollyhocks with dainty, charming blooms. Miniature hollyhocks will grow to a grand height of 30 inches, and the blooms will attract butterflies and hummingbirds from mid-summer to autumn. They're as easy to grow as standard-size hollyhocks with the additional benefit that they don't need to be staked.

Step 1

Choose an area that get full sun for at least six hours each day. Miniature hollyhocks will grow even in poor soil as long as it has good drainage, so don't plant miniature hollyhock seeds where water tends to pool. Miniature hollyhock seeds should be planted about a week before the last frost of the season.

Step 2

Plant miniature hollyhock seeds 18 to 24 inches apart. The seeds need plenty of light to germinate, so cover them with only a very thin layer of soil. The seeds will germinate in two to three weeks.

Step 3

Water the seeds gently after planting with a watering can or a hose with a spray attachment. Once the seeds germinate, keep the soil moist and don't let it dry out, but never let it become waterlogged.

Step 4

Fertilize miniature hollyhocks once or twice during the growing season if the soil is poor. Use a good quality all-purpose fertilizer, and apply it according to the directions on the package label. In most soil types, miniature honeysuckle needs no fertilizer.

Step 5

Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of miniature hollyhocks, but don't let the mulch pile up against the plant. Mulch will conserve moisture, and as it decays, it will enrich the soil.