How to Collect Hollyhock Seeds

Hollyhocks are tall ornamental plants (up to 6 feet) with multiple blossoms. These plants are most often biennial, meaning that they live for only two growing seasons. Some varieties, however, are perennials and will return every year. Even the biennial plants will usually self-seed, but the seeds can also be saved and replanted to ensure that they continue to reproduce. Keep in mind that hollyhocks cross-pollinate, which means the seeds from one color blossom may produce plants with multiple blossom colors.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Plastic container
• Permanent marker

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wait for the blossoms to fall off the hollyhock in the fall. In a blossom's place will be a small, podlike fruit where the seeds are located. When this fruit has dried to a brown, paper-like texture, your seeds are ready to harvest.

   • 2

     Cut the seedpods from the hollyhock with pruning shears. The seeds inside should be black. If they're not, wait a few more days before harvesting. Cut them directly into the plastic container in which you plan to store them. The container should have a lid for storage.

   • 3

     Remove the papery outer covers with your hand, leaving only dark seeds in the container.

   • 4

     Label the container with the name hollyhock as well as the date harvested, using a permanent marker.

   • 5

     Place stored seeds in a cool, dark place until you're ready to plant in the spring.