Hollyhock Black Watchman, pre 1800 Heirloom

Renee's Garden - This beautiful heirloom variety, grown by Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, has been carefully reselected for us by the best Dutch seedsmen for classic form and rich color. The big 3 to 4 inch hibiscus-like blossoms have satiny petals in a wonderful deep dark maroon that shades to pure black. Black Watchman’s blooms unfurl slowly on sturdy tall 5 to 7 foot stalks and make a singular and striking garden display, setting off all the other flowers around them

Characteristics: 

• Historic Heirloom
  
• Biennial 
• 5-7' Tall spikes 
• Powderpuff blossoms 
• Deep purple, almost black in color
• 650mg or ~65 seeds

Instructions -Plant seeds in full sun in ordinary garden soil in spring after the danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 6 to 8 inches apart. Keep moist until germination in 7 to 14 days. Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Sow 2 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep in flats or individual containers of seed starting mix. Provide a strong light source and keep the mix evenly moist to await germination in 7 to 14 days. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions, then transplant into the garden. 

Plant in: March - June 

Full sun

Plant 1/2 inch deep 

Plant 6-8 inches apart 

7-14 days to germinate 

Mature Height: 5-7 feet 

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.