Hollyhock 'Mars Magic' Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' (Spotlight Series)

Water

Hollyhocks should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. They typically require about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, additional watering may be necessary to maintain moisture. It's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. In general, giving the plants about 1.5 gallons of water every two weeks should suffice, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature.

Light

Hollyhocks prefer full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for Alcea rosea 'Mars Magic' is in an open area that receives ample sunlight and is protected from strong winds. Partial shade is acceptable but may reduce the plant's vigor and flowering potential.

Temperature

Hollyhocks thrive in a range of temperatures but perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 90°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F, making them suitable for many temperate climates. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is between 70°F and 85°F.

Pruning

Pruning Hollyhocks helps to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins by cutting back any dead or damaged stalks. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming. After the blooming season, cut back the stalks to ground level to help control rust and other fungal diseases.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Hollyhocks prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, peat moss, and compost is ideal for providing the necessary nutrients and drainage. Ensure the soil is enriched with organic matter to support their tall growth.

Repotting

Hollyhocks, being biennial or short-lived perennials, do not typically require frequent repotting. They prefer to be left undisturbed and can be allowed to self-seed in the garden.

Humidity & Misting

Hollyhocks are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions. They thrive in outdoor environments where the humidity is natural and not controlled.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, enrich soil, space 18 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

'Mars Magic' Hollyhock, a biennial or short-lived perennial, begins its life cycle with seed germination, usually in late summer to early fall. The first year primarily focuses on vegetative growth forming a low rosette of leaves. As the plant enters its second year, it elongates a sturdy flowering stalk that can reach up to 5-6 feet tall, adorned with large, vivid red single flowers blooming in mid to late summer. Following pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, the plant sets seed in round capsules. After seed dispersal, the parent plant often dies, but new plants may arise from the self-sown seeds or the roots may sprout again if conditions are amiable. Overwintering can occur in milder climates, where they may behave more like perennials, producing new shoots in the subsequent spring for another flowering cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the Hollyhock 'Mars Magic' is by seed. Hollyhocks are biennials or short-lived perennials, which means they're adept at seed propagation. To propagate these plants by seeds, one should start indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm area, aiming for a germination temperature around 70°F (21°C). The seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and there is no more danger of frost, they can be transplanted outside into a sunny spot with well-draining soil.