Hollyhock 'Nigra' Seeds

While most cottage flowers are pastel and polite, 'Nigra' is moody, dramatic, and magnificent. It is an ancient variety (grown in gardens since 1629) that produces towering spikes of single, chocolate-maroon flowers. In the shade, they look jet black; in the sunlight, they glow with a deep ruby-red centre.

This is the variety that stops people in their tracks. It is the "little black dress" of the flower border—it goes with absolutely everything, adding depth, sophistication, and a touch of mystery to standard flower beds.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Nigra'

We love this plant for its ability to make other colours pop. If you plant a pink flower next to a white one, it looks pretty. If you plant a pink flower next to a black Hollyhock, it looks electric. The dark backdrop amplifies every other colour in the garden.

It is also a piece of living history. This is the exact same flower that would have been grown in Jacobean gardens, loved for its reliability and its towering height that draws the eye straight up to the sky.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Biennial?

Hollyhock 'Nigra' is a classic Biennial.

This means it operates on a two-year cycle.
Year 1: You sow the seeds. The plant grows a lush rosette of leaves but usually does not flower.
Year 2: The plant sends up its spectacular 6ft flower spikes, blooms, sets seed, and dies.
Top Tip: 'Nigra' is a vigorous self-seeder. If you leave the stalks standing in autumn, they will drop their own seeds, and you will likely have a colony of black hollyhocks for years to come.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Hollyhocks are easy to germinate but dislike root disturbance, so handle the young plants with care.

🌱 Germination:
Sow indoors April-May, or outdoors June-July. Sow seeds singly in deep pots (to accommodate the long taproot) or directly into a seedbed. Cover lightly with soil (approx 5mm). Germination usually takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
They need full sun. If planted in shade, the black flowers will disappear into the gloom. Place them against a pale wall or fence for the best visual impact. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil.

Care While Growing:
Rust Watch: Like all Hollyhocks, 'Nigra' can get rust (orange spots) on the lower leaves. Remove the bottom leaves as the plant grows to improve airflow—the flowers are so stunning that no one looks at the bottom leaves anyway!

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Black flowers can disappear if you aren't careful. The secret is high contrast—pair them with pure white:

• ☁️ Cosmos 'Purity': The ultimate "Black & White" designer look. The feathery green foliage and bright white flowers of the Cosmos set off the dark, heavy spikes of the Hollyhock perfectly.
• ❄️ Gypsophila 'Covent Garden': Create a monochrome masterpiece. Plant the Gypsophila around the base of the Hollyhocks. The frothy white clouds will hide the "scruffy ankles" of the Hollyhock and make the black flowers look even darker.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in summer for flowers the following year.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)