Heirloom

Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix

Alcea rosea 'Chater's Double'

Towering cottage garden favorites that create dramatic vertical accents with their impressive 6-8 foot spikes covered in fully double, ruffled flowers resembling peonies in shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and purple. These old-fashioned beauties are perfect for creating privacy screens, backdrop plantings, or adding height to perennial borders while attracting beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Self-seeding readily to create naturalized colonies over time.

Harvest

120-150d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Backyard Respite Landscape

☀️

Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

5-8 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

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Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches

SoilRich, well-drained soil with organic matter

pH6.0-8.0

Water1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established

SeasonBiennial, some varieties annual

FlavorFlowers are edible with mild, lettuce-like flavor

ColorMixed: pink, red, white, yellow, purple, salmon

Size3-4 inch diameter fully double flowers

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Light: Backyard Respite Landscape. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Nigra'Classic hollyhock whose deep maroon blooms look almost black., 'Nigra'. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

The schizocarp contains oval, flattened, and notched seeds that readily germinate.

Type: Schizocarp.

Harvest time: Fall

Bloom time: Fall, Spring, Summer

Edibility: Can be used as a showy edible garnish or a container for dip.

Storage & Preservation

Fresh hollyhock flowers keep best when stored stem-down in water in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For immediate use, place cut stems in cool water and use within 24 hours for peak flavor and appearance.

Dry flowers for tea by removing petals and spreading them on screens in a well-ventilated, dark area. Properly dried petals retain color and can be stored in airtight containers for up to one year. Freeze individual petals in ice cube trays for colorful drink garnishes – they'll maintain their appearance for several months.

Young leaves can be dried like other leafy herbs or used fresh in salads. Seeds should be thoroughly dried and stored in paper envelopes in a cool, dry location where they remain viable for 3-4 years.

History & Origin

Origin: Turkey and western Asia

Advantages

+Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Rabbits
+Attracts: Can be used as a showy edible garnish or a container for dip.
+Wildlife value: Attacts bees, butterflies and hummingbird.
+Edible: Can be used as a showy edible garnish or a container for dip.
+Fast-growing

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Lavender

Repels aphids and other pests that commonly attack hollyhocks

Marigold

Deters nematodes and aphids while attracting beneficial insects

Delphinium

Similar growing conditions and creates attractive tall backdrop combinations

Roses

Hollyhocks attract beneficial insects that help control rose pests

Foxglove

Compatible growing requirements and complementary flowering heights

Catmint

Repels flea beetles and aphids that can damage hollyhock foliage

Cosmos

Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators while requiring similar care

Sunflowers

Compatible tall growth habits and both attract beneficial pollinators

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Produces juglone toxin that inhibits hollyhock growth and can cause wilting

Cucumber

Both susceptible to similar fungal diseases, increasing disease pressure

Fennel

Allelopathic properties inhibit growth of most companion plants including hollyhocks

Nutrition Facts

Calories

15kcal(1%)

Protein

1.03g(2%)

Carbs

3.28g(1%)

Fat

0.07g(0%)

Vitamin C

28mg(31%)

Vitamin A

97mcg(11%)

Iron

0.7mg(4%)

Calcium

39mg(3%)

Potassium

173mg(4%)

Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Susceptible to rust disease, especially in humid conditions

Common Pests

Japanese beetles, aphids, spider mites, hollyhock weevil

Diseases

Rust (most common), anthracnose, leaf spot, powdery mildew

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix take to bloom from seed?▼

As a biennial, Chater's Double Mix typically takes 120-150 days to bloom in its second year. First-year plants focus on establishing strong root systems and foliage. However, if started indoors very early (6-8 weeks before last frost), some plants may produce flowers in their first season, though blooms will be smaller and less prolific than second-year displays.

Can you grow Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix in containers?▼

Yes, but choose very large containers at least 20 inches deep and 18 inches wide to accommodate the long taproot. Use a heavy potting mix and ensure excellent drainage. Container plants need consistent watering and will require sturdy staking. However, plants may not reach full height potential and may be less winter-hardy in containers in cold climates.

How do you prevent rust disease on Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix?▼

Prevent rust by ensuring proper spacing (18-24 inches apart), avoiding overhead watering, and providing good air circulation. Remove infected leaves immediately and dispose of them away from the garden. Apply preventive fungicide sprays in humid climates, and consider planting in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce moisture on foliage.

When should I plant Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix seeds?▼

Direct sow seeds in late spring to early summer (May-July) for blooms the following year. For potential first-year blooms, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. In mild winter areas (zones 8-10), you can also sow seeds in fall for earlier blooms the next season.

What do Hollyhock Chater's Double Mix flowers taste like?▼

The edible flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor often compared to lettuce or young spinach leaves. The petals are tender with no bitter aftertaste, making them excellent for salads, garnishes, and herbal teas. Young leaves are also edible but become tougher and more mucilaginous as they mature, similar to okra or mallow family plants.

Do Hollyhocks Chater's Double Mix come back every year?▼

As true biennials, individual plants complete their lifecycle in two years. However, they self-seed prolifically, creating the appearance of perennial plants as new seedlings replace parent plants. To maintain continuous blooms, allow some flowers to go to seed while deadheading others, or sow new seeds annually for guaranteed blooms.