Alcea ficifolia Happy Lights (Antwerp Hollyhock) seeds

Lovely, rust resistant Hollyhock species with tall, sturdy stems packed with single flowers in a cheerful mix of yellow, copper, pink, red and white.  Bred to be stronger and healthier than standard Hollyhocks, Happy Lights makes a colourful, long lasting display at the back of the border.  Loved by bees and fabulous for cut flowers.  Will flower the first year from an early sowing.

Hardy Perennial
Flowers: May to October
Height: 180cm, Spread: 75cm
Position: Sun or semi shade in well drained soil

Packet of 30 seeds

GROWING GUIDE

Seeds can be sown at any time of year except early to mid summer as too much heat can result in spindly plants.

• Sow seeds on the surface of moist, well drained seed compost mixed 50:50 with vermiculite or perlite and just cover with a fine sprinkling of compost, vermiculite or perlite.
• Seal inside a polythene bag or place in a propagator, and maintain at 17-20C, watering as needed to keep compost just moist.
• Germination usually takes 14 to 30 days.

• As the seedlings emerge, increase ventilation by opening the bag or propagator vents.
• When they are large enough to handle, transplant into 7-9cm pots.
• Grow on in slightly cooler conditions with plenty of light but shaded from direct sun and re-pot as necessary into larger pots.

• From spring onwards and once large enough, gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions from mid spring by placing them outdoors during the day for 2 weeks before planting out.