Black Hollyhock, alcea rosea nigra
Gorgeous common garden plant with dark wine coloured blossoms which yield a range of colours, depending of the method of use. Though not a very colourfast dye, and therefore not a great option for dyeing “heirloom” items such as fabric for a quilt, it can be a fun plant to play with, particularly for use in eco-printing. It is a low care and very hardy plant, which self seeds and is dramatically beautiful, with plants that can reach up to 8 feet tall. The tender leaves and blossoms can be eaten, and the flowers will impart a soft blush colour to herbal teas. Also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. So while hollyhock is less of a true dye than any of our other dye garden seeds, it has many great reasons to grow it, including to play with the colour it produces.
Begin seeds indoors anytime from late winter to late summer. Keep moist but not soggy. Once large enough to handle, transplant to garden 12” apart, anytime spring through fall, as long as there is no danger of frost. Prefers full sun and well drained soil.
Perennial
Zones 2-9
When to sow: spring/late summer/early fall
Ease of germination: very good
Family: Hollyhock (Malvaceae)
This listing is for a packet of seeds containing around 10 seeds.
Buy our bundle of 9 dye garden seeds and save 25%:
https://www.juliesinden.com/products/grow-your-own-dye-garden-bundle-of-nine-seed-packets
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