Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Malvaceae
Native
Origin unknown
Life Cycle
Biennial
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Flower Color
Purple
Bloom Season
Summer
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible Flower
Growing Conditions
Drought Tolerant
About The Watchman Hollyhock Seeds
Alcea rosea
2"–4", deep burgundy (almost black) flowers
Planting Hollyhock
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36"
Hardiness Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Required
Full sun
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Planting Depth
Press into surface
Planting Details
| Seed Depth | Press into surface |
|---|---|
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 24"–36" |
| Thinning | When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 24"–36" |
| Germination | 10–14 days |
| Start Indoors | 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted in the ground. |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date, or 2 months before your average first fall frost date. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 16 Total 4 star reviews: 3 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 2
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
21 reviews
- LTTVerified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/25/26Good so far
Planted ten seeds in starter cells and eight in the ground after those eight had soaked in water for a day. Six in the ground germinated first, and even one that had its cotyledon leaves eaten grew true leaves. Nine out of the ten in starter cells germinated. The ones in the ground grew quicker and are much farther along. All fifteen seedlings are now in the ground, and I hope they continue to do well. Seems like 83% germination rate, so that's pretty good.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/28/26Hey LTT,
We're so happy to hear about your incredible experience with The Watchman Hollyhock Seeds! That 83% germination rate is awesome, and it's fantastic that you got such great results with both your starter cells and direct sowing methods! There's nothing better than watching those seedlings take off, and we love that even the one that had some early damage bounced back and grew true leaves - that's the kind of resilience we love to see! Your observation that the ones planted directly in the ground grew quicker is really helpful intel too! Thanks for sharing your Watchman Hollyhock growing success with us, and we're excited to hear how they continue to develop! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Andrea P.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/4/26Firs
I got these seeds in winter of 2025 and cold sowed them in milk jugs. Only a couple of the Watchmen seeds sprouted and I was a little disappointed. **After two years of doing hollyhocks like that I am thinking it might just be the method and not the seeds.** The ones that did come up were carefully planted and grew slowly. They lasted through this past winter's freezing temps and started off again this spring! I was so surprised to find a bloom (the first one) the other day! I had forgotten which of the plants were Watchman variety vs Chaters Double! I am loving the couple of blooms so far and am looking forward to many more! This plant is about 5 feet tall so far.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests6/13/26Hey Andrea,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed experience with The Watchman Hollyhock Seeds - what a journey it's been!
I love how you've reflected on the cold sowing method and recognized that germination challenges might be more about technique than the seeds themselves. That kind of thoughtful gardening insight is so valuable! It sounds like you've really learned a lot through your hollyhock adventures over the past couple years.
How exciting that the plants not only survived those freezing winter temps but are now rewarding you with those first beautiful blooms! And at 5 feet tall already - that's fantastic growth! I can only imagine how thrilling it must have been to discover that first Watchman bloom and remember which variety it was.
Thank you for sticking with the seeds and giving them the care they needed to succeed. Your patience and dedication really paid off, and I'm so glad you're loving the results! Here's to many more gorgeous blooms as the season continues.
Keep on growing 🌻️
- PhilipRated 5 out of 5 stars12/28/255 Stars
Great seed.
- Kathleen T.AL, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 4 out of 5 stars9/23/25Got several Holly hock plants from 2 packets of seeds
No flowers this year, thiolly hocks are biennial
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? In Ground - Lauri P.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars8/11/25Worth the wait!!
I bought The Watchman seeds in fall of 2023. I used the Winter Sowing method to germinate them during winter of 2024, plopped my little seedlings in the ground that spring and now - finally! - have GORGEOUS 7 to 8 FOOT SPIRES of dark burgundy-black blooms. Amazing! Zone 5a, Iowa USA.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests8/12/25Hey Lauri,
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with The Watchman Hollyhock Seeds! The deep, dark color is gorgeous! Your Iowa garden must be absolutely stunning right now! Keep on growing 🌻️