Botanical name of Hollyhock is Alcea rosea or Alcea setosa and they belong to Malvaceae (mallow) family. There are hardly any gardens without Hollyhocks standing tall displaying the bright blooms on their stalks.
There are 60 species of Hollyhocks. Hollyhocks are annuals and the petal whorls are either single or double. The double type of Hollyhocks almost resembles a Rose or Carnations.
The plant grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet. The leaves are green, rough, and large. The flowers bloom at the tip of the stalks in various hues. Hollyhocks are pollinated by Bumble Bees.
The seeds are round and arranged tightly in a circle inside the pod.
The hollyhock seed pod starts off green and then turns brown.
Propagation:
Propagation of Hollyhock is by seeds. A 12 inch pot can contain up to 4 to 5 plants. Plant them under partial or full sunlight. The plants are attacked by the usual garden pests like aphids, flea beetles, worms, and bugs.
These can be controlled by spraying an insecticide at regular intervals. Apply manure once in 15 days.