Hollyhock 'Bishy Barnabee Mix' Seeds
This is our very own "House Blend"—a curated mix of our absolute favourite Hollyhocks. We have brought together the best of both worlds: the romantic, ruffled "powder puff" blooms of the Chater's Double types, and the elegant, open saucers of the traditional single varieties.
Expect a glorious tapestry of colour. This packet is a lucky dip that could include soft lemon yellow, rich crimson, pale apple-blossom pink, pure white, and even the dramatic chocolate-maroon of 'The Watchman'. If you want to recreate the relaxed, slightly wild look of a Norfolk country garden, this is the seed packet you need.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
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.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
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.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Alcea rosea |
| Common Name | Hollyhock 'Bishy Barnabee Mix' |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy Biennial/Perennial) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 1.8m - 2.2m (Very Tall) |
| Spread | ↔️ 60cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 60cm apart |
| Great for | 🐝 Pollinators 🎨 Surprise Colours 🏰 Back of Border 🏡 Traditional Gardens |
| Seed Count | Approx. 50 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
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.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in summer. Plant out in autumn. Flowers the following summer.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Seeds | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||
| Plant Out | 🌱 | 🌱 | ||||||||||
| Flowers (Yr 2) | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Skin Sensitivity
The hairy stems of Hollyhocks can sometimes cause mild skin irritation. It is best to wear gloves when handling mature plants or cutting them back.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
The single flowers in this mix are fantastic for bees. The wide, open shape acts as an easy landing pad, offering a rich source of pollen in high summer.
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£2.10 - Regular price
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£2.10
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