Hollyhock 'Summer Carnival' Seeds

Alcea rosea 'Summer Carnival' is a Hardy Annual or Short-lived Perennial (H5). Unlike traditional biennials that spend their first year growing only foliage, this variety is bred for speed. If sown in early spring, it will complete its entire cycle—from seed to 1.5-metre flowering spike—in just a single UK summer.

Florist Quality: The ruffled, double blooms are so dense and heavy they resemble peonies. Because of their substance, they make surprisingly good cut flowers. To ensure longevity in a vase, sear the stem ends in boiling water for 10 seconds immediately after cutting.

AGM Winner: This variety holds the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. This confirms its status as a reliable, high-performing plant that is perfectly suited to the conditions found in British cottage gardens.

To achieve flowers in the first year, an early start indoors is essential for this variety.

How to Sow:
Sow indoors from January to March for same-year flowers. Sow seeds 1cm deep in individual 9cm pots or deep modules. Hollyhocks develop a deep taproot quickly and strongly dislike root disturbance, so avoid seed trays. Keep at 15-20°C; germination typically takes 14-21 days.

Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and rich, fertile soil. As "hungry" plants that reach impressive heights, they benefit from digging in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost before planting out. They look most at home at the back of a border or against a warm, sunny wall.

Ongoing Care:
To prevent "Hollyhock Rust" (orange spots on leaves), water at the base of the plant rather than over the foliage, and ensure plenty of air circulation. In windy or exposed gardens, these tall spikes will require the support of a sturdy bamboo cane. Remove lower leaves if they begin to look tatty to keep the plant looking pristine.

Towering Hollyhocks can sometimes have "bare legs" at the base. Hide their lower stems with these available partners from our range:

• 🌸 Cosmos 'Sensation Mixed': The Foliage Cover. The tall, ferny clouds of Cosmos grow to about 1m, perfectly masking the lower stems of the Hollyhocks while adding a secondary layer of floating daisy flowers.
• 🎨 Zinnia 'Lilliput Mix': The Colour Echo. The vibrant, pom-pom blooms of Zinnia echo the double shape and bright palette of 'Summer Carnival', creating a perfectly coordinated, multi-tiered cottage garden border.

Sow early indoors for Peoria-like blooms in their very first year.