Malvales
Hollyhock Nigra Seeds - Alcea Rosea - Biennial Plant
Hollyhock Nigra Seeds - Alcea Rosea - Biennial Plant
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Black Hollyhock (Alcea Rosea Nigra) is a self-seeding biennial, 5-6' tall that has a large, dark red single flower, almost black.
These showy funnel shaped flowers are wonderful for landscaping and ornamental gardens. Hollyhock Nigra make a stunning display and a unique source of color for the flower garden. The flowers are good for cutting.
Black Hollyhock plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.
Alcea Rosea Nigra is an easy to grow from seed; it will self-seed if flower stalks are left in place.
PLANT INFORMATION:
- mph 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
- ph 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
- Start Black Hollyhock seed outdoors after the last spring frost or in late summer for blooming the following year.
- Choose a sunny spot with partial shade and well drained soil.
Prepare a bed for planting:
After weeding the bed, work a 3-inch-thick layer of composted manure into the top 8 inches of soil. Break up compacted areas and till the soil thoroughly.
Sow the black hollyhock seeds on the surface of the soil. Cover seeds lightly with loose soil no more than 1/8 inch thick. Sow the seeds in groups of three, 18 to 24 inches apart - Water the bed after sowing; keep the soil moist until germination. Allow the surface of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Germination occurs in 10 to 14 days.
- Keep the most robust black hollyhock seedling and pinch the rest off at ground level.
Water the black hollyhocks weekly to a 3-inch depth during the hot summer months at the base of the plant. Spraying water onto the leaves may cause rust (a fungal infection).
Cut off all affected leaves and stems and discard them into a green waste can.
If you want to prevent self-sowing, deadhead the plants regularly.
Package includes: Black Hollyhock 10 Seeds
SHIPPING INFORMATION
FAQs Seed Planting
FAQs Seed Planting
We want every seed you plant to thrive. Below you'll find answers to the most common questions from our customers — from choosing the right seeds to getting them in the ground and storing extras for next season.
🌱 Germination & Sprouting
What is a germination rate, and what should I expect?
Germination rate is the percentage of seeds expected to sprout under ideal conditions. Our seeds are tested and carry high germination rates, typically 85–95%+. You'll find the specific rate listed on each product page.
Why aren't my seeds sprouting?
The most common problems are:
- Temperature: Most seeds need soil temperatures of 65–75°F to germinate. Cold soil slows or prevents sprouting.
- Moisture: Soil should be consistently moist — not waterlogged and not bone-dry.
- Depth: Planting too deep is a frequent mistake. See planting depth guidance below.
- Seed age: Old or improperly stored seeds lose viability over time.
If seeds haven't sprouted within the expected window (listed on each product page), please reach out — our Seed Warranty has you covered.
How long does germination take?
It varies by plant type. Fast germinators like Cosmos, Zinnias, Marigold sprout in 5–7 days. Slower varieties like Lavender, Columbine, Larkspur, lupine can take 14–21 days or more. Always check the seed packet or product page for the expected germination window.
🌿 Planting Instructions
How deep should I plant my seeds?
A general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth of 2–3 times their diameter. Tiny seeds (like Aubrieta, Astilbe, Begonia) are often just pressed onto the soil surface. Larger seeds (like Sunflower, Morning Glory or Nasturtium) go approximately 1 inch deep. Specific depth instructions are printed on each seed packet and listed on the product page.
How far apart should I space my seeds?
Spacing depends on the mature size of the plant. Overcrowding leads to competition for nutrients and poor airflow. Product pages list the recommended spacing, and we always suggest thinning seedlings to the strongest plant once they've established.
How much light do my seeds need?
Light requirements vary by variety:
- Full sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily (tomatoes, peppers, sunflowers, petunias, marigold, zinnia, portulaca.)
- Part shade: 3–6 hours (begonias, astilbe, columbine, foxglove, some herbs)
- Full shade: Less than 3 hours (ferns, mint, cilantro)
Each product page includes the light requirement for that specific variety.
Should I start seeds indoors or sow them directly outside?
It depends on the plant and your climate:
1. Starting seed indoors
Flowers to start 6–10 weeks before your last frost date:
2. Direct sow outdoors
Cool-Weather Flowers (Sow in Early Spring or Late Fall)
Warm-Weather Flowers (Sow After Last Frost)
Product pages specify our recommended sowing method for each variety.
📅 Seasonal Timing & Regional Planting
When should I plant my seeds?
Timing depends on your USDA Hardiness Zone and whether you're growing warm-season or cool-season crops:
- Cool-season crops (lettuce, kale, spinach, peas): Plant in early spring or fall, 4–6 weeks before your last/first frost.
- Warm-season crops (tomatoes, basil, squash, beans): Plant after your last frost date when soil has warmed.
Not sure of your zone? Visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and enter your zip code.
Can I grow flower seeds year-round indoors?
Many flowers, herbs, microgreens, and leafy greens can be grown indoors year-round with a sunny south-facing window or a grow light. We recommend at least 14–16 hours of artificial light per day for most edible plants grown indoors in low-light seasons.
I'm in a warm climate — do the planting seasons change?
Yes! Gardeners in USDA Zones 9–11 (Southern California, Florida, Gulf Coast) often plant warm-season crops in late winter and cool-season crops in fall through early spring, essentially the reverse of northern growers. Check your local cooperative extension service for region-specific planting calendars.
📦 Seed Storage & Shelf Life
How should I store unused seeds?
Proper storage dramatically extends seed viability. Keep unused seeds:
- In a cool, dark, and dry location (a sealed container in the refrigerator is ideal)
- Away from humidity — moisture is the enemy of seed viability
- In labeled envelopes or airtight containers with silica gel packets to absorb moisture
How long do seeds stay viable?
Shelf life varies by type. Here are general guidelines.
1–2 Years Flower Seeds Viability:
Delphinium, Asters, Delphinium, Phlox, Larkspur
3–4 Years Popular Flower Seeds Viability:
5–6 Years Flower Seeds Viability:
Seeds stored correctly often remain viable beyond these estimates. Do a quick germination test: place 10 seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a bag, and check after the expected germination window. If fewer than 5 sprout, it's time for fresh seeds.
Do seeds expire?
Seeds don't have a hard expiration date, but viability gradually decreases over time. Our seeds are packed for the current season with high germination rates. For best results, use seeds within their recommended shelf life window and store them properly between uses.
🚚 Shipping & Seed Handling
Are seeds safe to ship? Will the heat or cold damage them?
Seeds are remarkably resilient in transit. Unlike live plants, seeds can tolerate a wide range of temperatures during shipping without damage. We package our seeds carefully to protect them from moisture. In extreme heat conditions, we recommend opening your package promptly and storing seeds in a cool location.
How are my seeds packaged?
Seeds are packaged in moisture-resistant seed packets designed to keep them fresh from our facility to your garden. Each packet is clearly labeled with the variety name, planting instructions, germination rate, and seed count.
How long does shipping take?
Please see our Shipping Policy for full details on processing times, shipping speeds, and delivery estimates.
🛡️ Seed Warranty & Guarantee
What is your Seed Warranty?
We stand behind every seed we sell. If your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, we want to make it right. Please visit our Seed Warranty page for the full details of our guarantee and how to submit a claim.
What if I'm not satisfied with my order?
Your satisfaction is our priority. If something isn't right with your order, please review our Refund & Return Policy or contact us directly and we'll do our best to help.
How do I contact you with a question not answered here?
We love hearing from fellow gardeners! Reach out through our store's contact page and our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.
Happy growing! 🌻 Our seeds carry 4.85–5.0 star ratings from thousands of customers — and we're committed to helping you achieve the same results in your garden.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Customers can make changes to the shipping address, product, variant or cancel the order in the next 2 hours after placing the order.
If the order has entered the shipping process or the package is already in the carrier's possession, moving within the network, we cannot make any changes anymore.
How long does it take to receive my product?
The estimated delivery time is mentioned on each product page.
The processing time for orders is 2-3 business days. We generally ship SEED packages on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, we strive to expedite this process and aim to ship out your order the same day after it is placed.
The Standard Shipping takes 3-9 days, depending on your location. Thank you for your patience!
Delivery Guarantee
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information, we reserve the right to make corrections if an error does occur.
Please check your shipping address carefully!
We guarantee delivery only to the addresses we are given. Postal and delivery services will not forward. If you, the customer provided an incorrect or incomplete address, then there is no re-delivery service for your order and no refund.
Gardening Plants And Flowers ships to most countries worldwide via EMS, USPS or DHL e-commerce for all domestic and international packages.
Under normal conditions, in all other months of the year, the processing time for orders is 2-3 business days.
After that, the estimated delivery time is 3-9 days within US and 2-6 weeks internationally.
However, during holidays, special conditions or limited edition launches, this time may vary.
Once an item leaves our warehouse and is handed to the carrier, the shipping process is the responsibility of the carrier.
While we do have access to tracking systems which can provide information, once a package is in the carrier network, we are unable to fulfill requests such as redirecting packages or recalling packages, and we will look to resolve shipping issues in other ways.
If an order has been shipped and the tracking has not been updated 30 days from the date shipped, please contact our support at support@gardening-plant.com
Shipping & Handling Charges are as follows:
For Seeds there is a Flat Rate shipping fee for all domestic orders (within United States territory). This means, it doesn’t matter how many seed items you add to cart, you'll pay the same shipping fee.
For Gardening Tools and Other products the shipping fee is calculated at the checkout page for all domestic and international orders (free shipping over $75).
Your order may arrive in separate packages.
We are not responsible for any shipping deliveries that may be affected by customs, natural occurrences, transfers from EMS, DHL, USPS to the local carrier in your country or air and ground transportation strikes or delays, nor any extra fees, customs or back end charges once the package has exited the United States.
Packages undeliverable by EMS, DHL, USPS and/or their international shipping partners will be cancelled and refunded once received and processed at our shipping hub (other than seeds).
How can I track my order?
You will receive a shipping confirmation email once your order is ready to ship. The day an order ships does not count as a day in transit.
However, note that most of the time, the tracking system will display more information only after the package is collected by the carrier.
So, if you can’t track your parcel, the reason might be simply because no data available in the system yet, your order hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The logistics provider’s tracking system is updated every time when a parcel is scanned in a local depot.
If you don’t see any new information, just check again later. It might be that your parcel is still in transit and hasn’t reached yet a new depot.
However, if you noticed the package is stuck, please contact us immediately. We will work quickly to resolve the issue and resend it to you as soon as possible.
CANCEL ORDER
An order cannot be cancelled once it has been prepared for shipping.
Damaged Packages
If your package arrives damaged due to transit, please contact us immediately upon delivery. While shipping is handled by the carrier, we want to ensure you receive your order in perfect condition.
To assist you, please provide clear photos showing the damage to the item and packaging. Once reviewed, we will arrange a replacement at no additional cost.
Lost or Stolen Packages
- If the package shows it was delivered to your address, but you did not receive it, you must contact our support within 2 weeks.
- Once you have reported your lost package, we will launch an inquiry with our carrier about the lost package and attempt to have it recovered.
- If the carrier declares the package to be a complete loss, we will reship your order to you at no charge if stock is available, or refund it.
- If you cannot track your package, please notify us. We will use our tracking system to identify your package. If we will not be able to track the package too, it's more likely the package was lost and we will launch an inquiry with our carrier about the lost package and attempt to have it recovered.
- Generally, it takes 5 to 7 business days to resolve the claim.
We are not responsible for packages that are delivered to a wrong address due to an incorrect or incomplete shipping address provided by the customer.
REFUNDS
We do not accept seed returns.
However, if you have any issues with your seed order you must contact us at support@gardening-plant.com and we will take care of it by sending a replacement or refunding it.
For all products our refund/return policy lasts 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
We do accept returns and exchanges for Gardening Tools, Plant Stands and other products than seeds.
- Note: The Shipping Fee is non-refundable
- Note: We do not provide a return shipping label.
We do not refund delivered packages. But, if you did not receive your order contact us and we will take care of it.
NOTE: In order to resend/refund your package we need you to go to the Post Office with the tracking number and request a document that proves that your package was not processed by your local USPS office.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
We accept orders online via MasterCard, Visa, American Express, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop.
DISCLAIMER
Seed is a live product which depends on grower skills, such as proper planting time, seed depth, type of soil, irrigation, proper use of fertilizers, weed controls, fungicides, insecticides, disease free soil, and reasonable weather conditions during the growing period. Germination is affected by factors as temperature, moisture content, light intensity and planting method. These factors are totally out of the seller's control and are the buyer's responsibility and risk. The seller cannot unconditionally guarantee seed to perform properly regardless of conditions or the buyer's methods or mistakes.
Thank You For Your Support!
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All the seeds germinated well.
I immediately planted them as directed. Today, I see that they are already popping up out of the ground. It's been just a week. This is great..
Can't wait to plant.
I have three plants from the hole package that actually popped up.
I have just planted my seeds and won't know what a to review till they grow! I'm get back to ya later! I did receive the seeds quickly.