Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) tower majestically at the back of a flowerbed on 4- to 5-foot stalks that bear 3- to 6-inch flowers. Each flower lasts only a few days, but the season of bloom can be from four weeks to three months long. Hollyhocks require well-drained soil and full sun. If you plan on planting these from seed in your garden, know that you generally won't have blooms until the second year. 

  An important detail about growing hollyhock from seed is that they are easy to start by direct-sowing the seeds straight in the ground. Hollyhocks and many other members of their family have very long taproots. This makes these plants a little tricky to transplant. So if you do want to get a head start by growing seeds indoors before spring, be sure to plant the seedlings outside while they are still young to prevent disturbing the taproot too much. 

  Hollyhocks are typically grown against something for support, whether it be against a wall, along a fence, or at the back of a mixed border. Having a support system is especially important for taller varieties.

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