Hollyhock Bishy Barnabee Mix
Couldn't load pickup availability
Description
Hollyhock 'Bishy Barnabee Mix' Seeds
Bishy Barnabee's very own "House Blend"—a curated mix of their absolute favourite Hollyhocks. They have brought together the best of both worlds: the romantic, ruffled "powder puff" blooms of the Chater's Double types, and the elegant, open saucers of the traditional single varieties.
Expect a glorious tapestry of colour. This packet is a lucky dip that could include soft lemon yellow, rich crimson, pale apple-blossom pink, pure white, and even the dramatic chocolate-maroon of 'The Watchman'. If you want to recreate the relaxed, slightly wild look of a Norfolk country garden, this is the seed packet you need.
Read More
🌿 Understanding the Plant
These are classic Hardy Biennials.
They follow the traditional two-year rhythm that defines the cottage garden style.
The Timeline:
Year 1 (The Green Year): Sow in summer. The plant grows a large, low rosette of rough leaves and establishes a deep taproot.
Year 2 (The Flower Year): It sends up majestic 2-metre spikes, blooms all summer, and drops seeds before dying back (though many will survive for a 3rd year).
Top Tip: This mix is designed to self-seed! Let the pods ripen and drop, and you will have a permanent, evolving display.
🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow
Hollyhocks have long taproots, so handle them gently.
Germination:
Sow indoors in April-May or outdoors in June-July. Sow seeds 1cm deep. If sowing indoors, use deep pots (like root trainers) to prevent the root spiralling. Germination takes 14-21 days.
Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. A spot against a warm wall or fence is ideal, as it shelters the tall stems from strong winds.
Care While Growing:
Rust Control: To keep the leaves healthy, water only at the base (never on the foliage) and ensure plants aren't overcrowded.
Staking: In exposed gardens, these giants may need a bamboo cane to keep them upright during summer storms.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Latin Name | Alcea rosea |
| Common Name | Hollyhock 'Bishy Barnabee Mix' |
| Hardiness | H5 (Hardy Biennial/Perennial) |
| Light Required | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | ↕️ 1.8m - 2.2m (Very Tall) |
| Spread | ↔️ 60cm |
| Spacing | 🌱 60cm apart |
| Great for | 🐝 Pollinators 🎨 Surprise Colours 🏰 Back of Border 🏡 Traditional Gardens |
| Seed Count | Approx. 50 seeds per packet |
🤝 Perfect Garden Companions
Combine these giants with other cottage classics for a tiered border:
- 💙 Delphinium 'Summer Skies': The Blue Contrast. Hollyhocks rarely come in true blue. Planting sky-blue Delphiniums alongside your mixed Hollyhocks adds the missing piece of the colour puzzle.
- 🦊 Foxgloves (Digitalis): The Succession Plan. Foxgloves flower in early summer (June), just before the Hollyhocks really get going (July/August). Planting both ensures you have tall spires all season long.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in summer. Plant out in autumn. Flowers the following summer.
| Month | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow Seeds | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | ||||||||
| Plant Out | 🌱 | 🌱 | ||||||||||
| Flowers (Yr 2) | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 | 🌸 |
⚠️ Skin Sensitivity
The hairy stems of Hollyhocks can sometimes cause mild skin irritation. It is best to wear gloves when handling mature plants or cutting them back.
🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence
The single flowers in this mix are fantastic for bees. The wide, open shape acts as an easy landing pad, offering a rich source of pollen in high summer.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
