Hollyhock 'Halo Apricot' Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot' (Halo Series)

Water

The Hollyhock 'Halo Apricot' should be watered deeply, allowing water to soak into the soil to encourage deep root growth. It is best to water the plant early in the morning and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of foliar diseases. The frequency of watering depends on weather conditions and soil type, but generally, the plant should be watered once a week with about 1 to 1.5 inches of water. This frequency should be increased during hot, dry spells. Drought-stressed plants will benefit from a generous soak, using several gallons of water, as opposed to shallow watering.

Light

Hollyhocks, including the 'Halo Apricot', thrive in full sun where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is an area with unobstructed exposure to the sun, so ensure there are no shade-casting obstacles nearby. These plants can also tolerate light shade, but too much shade may lead to a reduction in bloom quantity and health.

Temperature

Hollyhocks prefer a moderate climate and typically grow well when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They are hardy to a certain extent, with a minimum temperature tolerance down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally should not be subjected to prolonged periods below freezing. To encourage vigorous growth, ensure that 'Halo Apricot' is planted in a location where the temperature stays within this ideal range throughout the growing season.

Pruning

Pruning Hollyhock 'Halo Apricot' is necessary to maintain its appearance and health. Remove dead or yellowing leaves throughout the season to encourage air circulation and minimize disease. After flowering, cut the stalks back to just above the ground level. This should be done annually, preferably in late fall after the plant has finished blooming, to encourage new growth in the spring.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Hollyhocks, such as the 'Halo Apricot', is well-draining and rich in organic matter. To create an ideal growing medium, mix garden soil with compost and peat moss in equal parts. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 8.0. Regular mulching can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Repotting

Hollyhocks, such as the 'Halo Apricot', are biennials or short-lived perennials and do not typically require frequent repotting. They are often treated as annuals and replanted each year from seeds, rather than being repotted. If your Hollyhock is in a container and becomes root-bound, repot it in the spring before active growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Hollyhocks, including the 'Halo Apricot', are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do well in the average outdoor conditions found in their growing zones. They do not require high humidity and can thrive in the natural humidity found in most garden environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Full sun; well-draining soil; shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Halo Apricot Hollyhock (Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot') begins its life cycle when seeds are sown after the last frost of spring, either directly into the soil or started indoors for early sprouts. Seedlings emerge after 1-2 weeks and will spend the first year primarily developing foliage and a strong root system as a biennial plant. In the second year, the plant begins its rapid vertical growth, producing tall, sturdy stalks that can reach up to 5-6 feet tall, with heart-shaped leaves arranged in a rosette at the base. During the midsummer of the second year, the Hollyhock begins its blooming phase, displaying a profusion of large, colorful flowers with a distinctive halo at the center, which can continue to bloom until early fall. After flowering, the plant sets seeds in round capsules; these seeds can be collected for propagation or will self-sow if left unattended, facilitating the plant's natural reseeding process. As winter approaches, the plant typically dies back, completing its life cycle, but if seeds have fallen, they may give rise to new seedlings the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Alcea rosea 'Halo Apricot', commonly known as Hollyhock, is by sowing seeds. This process is best done in late summer to early fall or, in colder climates, seeds can be started indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. To propagate by seeds, scatter them on top of a well-draining soil mix and press them lightly into the substrate without covering, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks at temperatures between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Once seedlings develop their first set of true leaves and reach a height of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters), they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden, maintaining a spacing of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to accommodate their mature size.