Sidalcea; is a hardy herbaceous border perennial is best suited to a cool sunny position.
In particularly dry summers they may die back but resurrect themselves when the wetter autumn weather comes.
In the event of them drying out early in the season, cut the dead / withered stems to the ground and give the plants a good soak
|
 |
They may be damaged or killed off during severe winters in the more exposed parts of the UK.
The hollyhock like flowers appears from June to September, and can grow to 500mm (18") high.
Some varieties may need staking with canes.
Cultivation;
Week 10; Refrigerate (stratify) seed for four weeks at a temperature of around 4°-8°C (40°-46°F)
Week 14; Sow seeds in pots/trays of and germinate at 15°C (60°F)
Germination should take about two to three weeks
Note; named varieties do not come true from seed.
Week 16; Lift, divide and replant healthy pieces from the outside of the clump, and discard the centre.
Week 17; Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost, and grow
on in a cold frame until planting out time.
Week 38; Cut down to 300mm (12") above ground level soon after flowering, to encourage the production of
lateral flowering shoots.
Week 40; Plant out 500mm (18") apart, in a sunny location.
