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12 top tips to get the best ever hollyhock blooms
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## 3. **Plant in Well-Draining Soil**
Hollyhocks aren’t picky, but they prefer **loamy, fertile, well-draining soil**. Mix in compost or aged manure before planting to boost nutrients and moisture retention.
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## 4. **Give Them Room to Grow**
These tall beauties need space to breathe. Plant them **12–24 inches apart** to promote airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases like rust.
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## 5. **Water Wisely**
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry, and be consistent—especially during hot, dry periods. Aim for **deep watering once or twice a week**, depending on weather.
> 🚫 Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf disease.
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## 6. **Mulch to Keep Moisture In**
Apply a layer of **organic mulch** around your hollyhocks to retain soil moisture, keep roots cool, and suppress weeds. Straw, shredded bark, or compost all work well.
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## 7. **Feed for Bigger Blooms**
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Fertilize with a **balanced flower fertilizer** (10-10-10 or similar) every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Stop feeding once flowers fade to help the plant focus on seed production (if you want to save seeds).
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## 8. **Support the Stalks**
Tall hollyhocks can grow up to 8 feet or more — and strong winds can knock them over. Use **stakes, trellises, or plant them along fences** for natural support.
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## 9. **Deadhead to Encourage More Flowers**
Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming and prevent early seed formation. This keeps energy focused on producing fresh buds.
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## 10. **Control Rust and Pests Early**
Rust (orange-brown spots on leaves) is common in hollyhocks. Prevent it by:
* Watering at the base
* Spacing plants properly
* Removing infected leaves promptly
* Spraying with **neem oil or organic fungicide** if needed
Also watch for aphids and Japanese beetles.
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## 11. **Let Some Plants Reseed**
Hollyhocks are biennials or short-lived perennials. Allow some flowers to go to seed and scatter naturally to ensure blooms return the next year.
> 🌱 Or collect seeds and sow them in late summer or early fall.
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## 12. **Plan for Height and Bloom Timing**
Plant hollyhocks **at the back of borders** where they won’t shade out other plants. Combine with mid-height perennials like **coneflowers** or **delphiniums** for a layered, long-blooming garden.
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## Bonus Tip: Grow in Containers (Yes, It’s Possible!)
Use deep pots (at least 16″ wide and 18–24″ deep), provide strong support, and water often. Compact or dwarf varieties work best in containers.
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## Final Thoughts
With just a bit of planning and TLC, your hollyhocks can become the towering stars of your garden. Their old-fashioned elegance and pollinator-friendly blooms make them a must-have for anyone who loves a dramatic floral display.
Follow these 12 tips, and you’ll be rewarded with a garden that stops passersby in their tracks — year after year.
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Would you like a printable hollyhock care calendar or tips on creating a cottage-style garden around them?
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