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[amc929]

hi, newt. last year was the first year for hollyhocks. i had planted them the previous fall as a bare root stock plant, they grew beautifully, i cut them down in the fall and i was just wondering what to expect this spring. thanks

[Newt]

Hi AMC,
If I'm understanding you correctly, you grew them last year and they only gave you green leaves. When you say that you "cut them down", I'm thinking you mean that you cut the leaves after a frost. Your profile doesn't say your hardiness zone or your state, so I'm guessing. If that is so, you should get the green leaves again this year (probably larger) and a flower stalk in mid summer. They will bloom and set seed. Do wait for the seed pods to dry out and either scatter the seed or save to plant next year. After a hard frost you can remove the plants and leave the seeds to sprout. If you don't get a frost that kills the leaves, I would say to leave them alone.

These plants are biennial. They grow the leaves and establish a good root system their first year. The second year they bloom, set seed and die. So, you will have to let them go to seed to have more. Eventually you will have blooms every year as some seed doesn't germinate right away and there's always those lovely surprises on the odd year.

Now to confuse you, there are annual hollyhocks that bloom the first year they are planted, but I'm thinking that since you don't mention any flowers that yours are biennial.

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plan...cea_rosea.html

Hope this is what you are looking for. If not, just let me know and I'll try and help.
Newt

[amc929]

hi again, newt. i did have flowers last year, loads of them. and the seeds were everywhere. i guess i'll just have to see what happens1
thanks again