Hollyhocks don't like heat and humidity. Knowing that, I tried growing Hollyhocks in Florida and it was a success. In this article, you will learn how to grow Hollyhocks in Florida.
North Florida and Central Florida are comparatively cooler than South Florida. This is why we can grow Hollyhocks in North and Central Florida. It becomes a bit difficult for us to grow Hollyhocks in South Florida ( or you can say in Zone 10). I will suggest the best possible tips so that you can grow hollyhocks even in Zone 10.
The picture at the top of this article is grown by me in Zone 10.
In North and Central Florida, you can follow the regular growing guide. For South Florida, you need to be a bit serious to avoid heat damage and fungal infections on Hollyhocks.
I’ve designed this guide so every Florida gardener can follow along easily.
Let's understand the basics of Hollyhocks in Florida
| Growing Factors | North Florida | Central Florida | South Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type (Annual, Biennial, Perennial) | Biennial or Short-Lived Perennial | Annual or Biennial | Annual |
| Blooming Season | Spring to Early Summer | Late Winter to Spring | Winter to Early Spring |
| Planting Time | Fall to Early Spring (September–March) | Fall to Winter (October–February) | Winter Only (December–February) |
| Difficulty in Growing | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult (Heat Sensitive) |
| Sunlight Requirement | Full Sun | Full Sun to Partial Shade | Partial Shade Recommended |
Those who are from South Florida, keep in mind that you can expect the blooms in winter only.
When and how to start planting Hollyhocks in Florida?
In South Florida, the heat makes this plant annual. Try to start the seeds in the early winter (Really early). If you do so, you will get the flowers in the same season (most probably late spring).
If you want to get the blooms earlier (like late January to early April), start with transplants.
I generally start the seeds indoors in late fall. This helps to get the blooms a lot earlier in winter.
For Central and North Florida, there's no issue following the planting time I mentioned in the chart.
Heat-tolerant hollyhock varieties
If you are still not sure if you can really grow Hollyhocks in the heat of South Florida, this is for you.
| Variety | Flower Description |
|---|---|
| Alcea rosea ‘Creme de Cassis’ | Semi-double and single blooms in shades of purple and pink. |
| Alcea rosea ‘Indian Spring’ | Pink, red, and white flowers; blooms the first year from seed. |
| Alcea rosea ‘Summer Carnival’ | Double flowers in pink, red, yellow, and white. |
| Alcea rosea ‘Halo Series’ | Large single blooms with contrasting centers. |
| Alcea ficifolia (Fig-leaved Hollyhock) | Comes in yellow, peach, and deep red shades. |
I know it's not that easy to find specific varieties in the local nurseries. There's no harm in trying.
When to fertilize Hollyhocks?
Do not feed your Hollyhocks just after transplanting. Let it grow a few inches tall. Then you can add 10-10-10 or 5-10-5 to encourage root development.
When you see the buds just like this:
At this stage, feed phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or bloom booster) to promote flowering.
Tip: Water before fertilizing to avoid root burn from chemical fertilizer.
What type of soil do you need to grow Hollyhocks in Florida?
Loamy or sandy loam soil is the best.
slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0–8.0) is most preferable.
Do not use too sandy or too heavy clay soil.
Use balanced soil with a good water-draining system. You can mix some organic matter with your regular garden soil.
Watering
Try watering in the early morning or in the evening.
When the plants are young, water twice a week for root establishment.
When the plants are matured and established, reduce watering. Only once a week is enough for Hollyhocks.
Note: In Zone 10, I have seen wilting leaves. This is due to excessive heat. Do not water in the heavy heat. Wait until the sunlight drops and water thoroughly after that ( in the evening ).
Sandy soil requires more water.
Sunlight for Hollyhocks in Florida
This chart will help you to understand the sunlight requirements for Hollyhocks. Take a look at your region's row.
| Region | Sunlight Requirement | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida | Full sun (6+ hours/day) | Can tolerate full sun all day but may benefit from light afternoon shade during extreme summer heat. |
| Central Florida | Full sun (6+ hours/day) | Prefers morning sun and some afternoon shade to protect from heat stress. |
| South Florida | Full sun to partial sun (4–6 hours/day) | Needs afternoon shade in summer to prevent sun scorch and extend blooming season. |
I have grown another variety of Hollyhock with white petals (mixed with pink) and yellow in the center.
Due to humidity, there is a chance of aphids attack. This guide might be helpful for you: get rid of aphids on mums
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