Hollyhocks are distinctive flowers with a bright pink hue and a unique vertical silhouette. Many people without garden space may despair that they will never have the chance to grow these impressively tall flowers. Fortunately, it is possible to grow hollyhocks in containers rather than in the ground. Read on to learn more about growing hollyhocks in containers.
How To Grow Hollyhocks in Containers
Even a novice gardener can grow hollyhocks in containers if they follow the correct steps. You will need the proper materials and environmental conditions to grow hollyhocks in containers.
Choose the Right Container
Before you plant your hollyhocks, you will need to choose a quality container. Hollyhocks can grow quite tall, sometimes as high as nine feet, and they have the lengthy root system to match.
Hollyhocks have considerably deep root systems to support the plant’s tall stature. Growing hollyhocks in containers requires one with a depth of at least 12 inches. A good hollyhocks container will also have a diameter that is at least two feet wide to accommodate the root system’s expansive reach.
Light
Hollyhocks grow best when you expose them to plenty of sunlight. If you are placing your hollyhocks container outside, try finding an unshaded spot that gets a lot of light.
If putting your hollyhocks outside isn’t an option, you will need to find the window in your home that gets the most natural light and put the container there. You can also invest in growing lights if the natural light in your home is inadequate.
Soil
Hollyhock roots need to penetrate deep into the soil for the flowering plant to successfully grow. You can ensure proper root development by planting hollyhock seeds in lightweight soil.
Lightweight soil is easier to break through and creates a hospitable environment for a deep root system. The soil should be moist but light enough to allow consistent drainage. For a quality hollyhocks soil mix, try a combination of one-third loam, one-third perlite, and one-third peat moss.
Nutrients
Potted plants need more water and fertilizer than plants growing in the ground. Water and fertilizer easily drain out of the pot, which might leave your hollyhocks malnourished.
You will need to water your hollyhock frequently to keep the surface of the soil damp. To make up for lost nutrients, you will also want to regularly add a generous amount of fertilizer to your container. For the best fertilizer, look for a formula designed for flowering plants.
Hollyhock Lifespan
Creating a healthy environment for your hollyhocks will give them a good chance to thrive in a container. However, while good soil and plenty of water and sunlight are the equation for gardening success, your hollyhocks won’t last forever.
Most hollyhocks last two or three years at most. You can try to extend your hollyhock’s lifespan with attentive pruning. When your hollyhocks start to bloom, keep an eye out for dying flowers. Trimming the old flowers may encourage new flowers to take their place.
Final Thoughts
Even though hollyhocks have a fantastical height, growing them in containers is not impossible. As long as you find a large enough container and provide the plant with the necessary nutrients, you can grow beautiful hollyhock blossoms. Find out more about flowers that start with H.