Hollyhocks are easygoing plants that do like full sun but can grow just as well in partial shade. You will certainly see the best growth results if your hollyhock is grown in full sun, which means providing 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, this volume of sunlight is not a necessity for hollyhocks. A bit of dappled shade will be perfectly fine for this beautiful plant.
How Many Hours of Sun Do Hollyhocks Need?
Hollyhocks do best with 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, while ample sunlight is good, hollyhocks aren’t fussy. They grow just as well in partial or dappled shade as they do in unfiltered sunlight. In fact, shade from afternoon sun can be a great idea to stave off high heat.
- Hollyhocks prefer 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hollyhocks will grow well in partial shade so long as their sunlight needs are met.
- Combine proper sunlight with acidic soil, balanced fertilizer, and mulch for great results.
For the most vigorous growth and plenty of blossoms, plant hollyhocks in acidic, well-fertilized soil. Hollyhocks will generally do best when fed with 10-10-10 flower fertilizers. This balanced fertilizer will speed up the germination rate of your hollyhock plants. Be sure to always provide organic mulch for your plants as well to insulate the soil and retain proper moisture.
Can Hollyhocks Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
Mature hollyhock plants do not grow well in indirect sunlight. However, hollyhock seeds can be started indoors and transplanted outside once they’ve reached maturity. This is because hollyhock seeds germinate best under indirect light. This softer, filtered light is less harsh on these delicate buds. Additionally, room temperature is often the ideal temperature for hollyhock seedlings.
- Indirect light is ideal for hollyhock seedlings.
- Mature hollyhocks do not grow well in indirect light.
- Start hollyhock seedling indoors before transplanting them outdoors.
If you are growing a hollyhock indoors, make sure to place it in front of a window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. While east and west-facing windows can sometimes provide this, windows on the south side of your home are more suited to indoor hollyhocks.
Can Hollyhocks Grow in Shade?
Hollyhock plants are perfectly fine with a bit of shade as long as it’s not deep shade. Deep shade will result in undersunned plants, which are prone to disease and death. In order to get the best results from your hollyhocks, grow them in garden beds that receive 6 hours of sun. If your hollyhocks are partially shaded for the rest of the day, they’ll still thrive.
- Hollyhocks grow well in partial or light shade.
- Balance shaded hours with 6 hours of direct sunlight to get the most from your hollyhocks.
- Deep shade without adequate hours of direct sunlight will kill hollyhocks.
Light shade will not discourage your hollyhock flowers from blooming. Shade can also be helpful in warding off high heat, which can be deadly to hollyhocks. So. it can be a good idea to provide shade from afternoon sun especially in the summer.
What Happens if Hollyhocks Don’t Get Enough Sun?
Hollyhocks that get too little sun are at risk of catching fungal diseases. The most famous of these is hollyhock rust, which can be identified by its yellow, brown, or orange spots on the underside of leaves. These fungal spores destroy leaf tissue and will kill your hollyhock if left untreated.
- Undersunned hollyhocks catch disease far more easily than those with proper sun hours.
- Watch out for fungal diseases like hollyhock rust.
By making sure your hollyhocks get enough hours of sunlight, you can prevent these diseased leaves. Adequate sunlight can make the difference between a hollyhock that blooms throughout the summer and one that dies before you ever see a blossom.
Can Hollyhocks Get Too Much Sun?
Hollyhocks won’t suffer from excess sunlight but they can be damaged by too much heat. Hollyhocks are fairly heat tolerant and will survive temperatures up to 90℉ (32℃). However, temperatures higher than that will put your plant at risk of wilting and dying. To avoid this fate, provide light shade in the afternoon to ward off excessive heat.
- Hollyhocks cannot get too much sun but exposure to high temperatures can kill them.
- Temperatures over 90℉ (32℃) can be deadly to hollyhocks.
- Provide light or dappled shade in the afternoon to protect your hollyhocks from extreme heat.
Excessive heat can also evaporate moisture from the soil, which will cause drought conditions for hollyhocks. These plants prefer high soil moisture but don’t like to be soaked. If the soil becomes dry in periods of high heat, increase your watering frequency to prevent your hollyhocks from dying of thirst.
How Much Sun Do Hollyhocks Require?
Hollyhocks do best with 6 hours of sunlight each day but can tolerate some shade. Light shade will be just as fine to a hollyhock even if it’s not the plant’s preference. The main things to remember when sunning your hollyhocks are:
- Hollyhocks prefer 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- These flowers will grow well with partial shade if all their other needs are met.
- Partial shade can help protect hollyhocks from extreme heat.
- Indirect sunlight is great for germinating seedlings but is insufficient for mature hollyhocks.
- Undersunned hollyhocks will catch fungal diseases more easily.
- You can’t oversun a hollyhock plant, but heat and dry soil can kill it.
Always be sure to provide as much sun as possible for your hollyhock while keeping an eye on heat changes. These tall plants produce blossoms in a variety of colors. By providing a little sunlight and some afternoon shade, you’ll get to enjoy an abundance of vibrant hollyhocks this summer.