Beautiful Flowers and New Seeds
A couple of weeks ago, I visited our local Farmer’s Market with my mother and my two youngest kids. Along with the fresh produce, bakery items, ice cream cones, kettle corn, petting zoo and other tempting treats – I happened across a vendor who was selling a small selection of nursery plants.
To be honest, what attracted me to her area wasn’t the plants, but it was a vase of hollyhocks that she had displayed.
Now, I love hollyhocks. There is just something so beautiful about these old-fashioned flowers.
Old fashioned flowers
Okay, back to the bouquet of hollyhocks that I saw at the farmer’s market – they were white with light pink centers.
As I was admiring the simple, but very pretty bouquet, I noticed that there was a small stack of envelopes filled with hollyhock seeds.
For only $1, it was my favorite purchase of the day.
I can’t wait to plant them.
I have the perfect place that receives afternoon sun and receives carryover moisture from my vegetable garden.
How about you? Where do you plant your hollyhocks?
Noelle Johnson, aka, 'AZ Plant Lady' is a author, horticulturist, and landscape consultant who helps people learn how to create, grow, and maintain beautiful desert gardens that thrive in a hot, dry climate. She does this through her consulting services, her online class Desert Gardening 101, and her monthly membership club, Through the Garden Gate. As she likes to tell desert-dwellers, "Gardening in the desert isn't hard, but it is different."
I didn't plant any this year and now it's too late. I normally sow the seeds in Nov.
Noelle,
those are just beautiful pictures of the hollyhocks. the small bouquet in that vase looks just gorgeous.
I love the hollyhocks but I don't have any in my garden yet. I couldn't decide yet, what would be the best spot for them in my garden since the hot sun might burn them and the back part of my garden might have too much shade.
Best Regards and Happy Gardening
Paula Jo
I haven't planted yet but it's on my list for Fall. Can you tell us Noelle, what the best exposure for these flowers is in our area (I"m in Chandler) and when you would suggest planting? Also, which Farmers' Market did you attend? I would love to check one out.
Hello Rosie Momma,
I would plant them in the fall and place them in an area that will receive afternoon shade.
The farmer's market is in Gilbert, off of Gilbert Road, just west of the Liberty Market. They have it every Saturday. I believe they start to shut things down about 11:00.
Thank you so much for your comment 🙂
Noelle
Noelle, Every time I read your blog, I learn something new. I love your style and admire your beautiful photographs! Nice job!
I just found your blog because I was looking for Kings Wreath Antigonon leptopus photos – I want to let it climb up a decorative cholla skeleton and a patio post after we lost several other climbers to too much heat and then the last freeze in Feb. Now I just have to find a nursery in Tucson that has it. It also seems to be attracting insects, and my blog is devoted mostly to them…
I grew up in Chicago and hollyhocks grew in our alley. No one tended to them in any way. I remember weaving the flowers to make hollyhock tiaras.
– ellyn deuink
Oh, what fun! I've never grown hollyhocks, but I do love them. I can't wait to see yours. 🙂 -Jean