{"product_id":"hollyhock-nigra","title":"Hollyhock Nigra","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-description\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eHollyhock 'Nigra' Seeds\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Nigra', also known by its heritage name 'The Watchman', is a spectacular variety producing towering spikes of large, single, silky flowers in a shade of maroon so deep it looks like glossy black chocolate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost hollyhocks are pastel and fluffy; 'Nigra' is sleek and architectural. The dark central eye and pale creamy style (the pollen part) create a stunning contrast that draws pollinators in from miles away. Whether growing against a white cottage wall or in a modern, moody planting scheme, it creates a vertical black exclamation mark that demands attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRead More\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🌿 Understanding the Plant\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHollyhock 'Nigra' is a classic \u003cstrong\u003eHardy Biennial\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt follows the traditional two-year cycle. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e You sow the seeds in summer. The plant grows a large rosette of rough, heart-shaped leaves. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e It sends up a majestic 2-metre flower spike, blooms all summer, sets seed, and then dies (though it often self-seeds to replace itself!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hollyhocks hate \"Rust\" (a fungal disease that causes orange spots). To prevent it, give 'Nigra' plenty of space for air to circulate and water only at the base, never on the leaves.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHollyhocks have deep taproots, so handle them with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSow indoors in April-May or outdoors in June-July. Sow seeds 1cm deep. If sowing indoors, use deep pots (like root trainers) to accommodate the long root. Germination takes 14-21 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Sow:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey need \u003cstrong\u003efull sun\u003c\/strong\u003e and rich, well-drained soil. A spot against a wall or fence is ideal as it provides shelter from the wind and radiates heat, which helps ripen the seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare While Growing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Out:\u003c\/strong\u003e Move young plants to their final position in September\/October so they can establish roots before winter. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Nigra' can reach 2 metres (6ft+). Unless you have a very sheltered walled garden, you will need to stake the main stem to stop it snapping in summer storms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e📋 Plant Specifications\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLatin Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlcea rosea\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eHollyhock 'Nigra' \/ The Watchman\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eH5\u003c\/strong\u003e (Hardy Biennial)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight Required\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eFull Sun ☀️\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e↕️ 1.8m - 2.4m (Very Tall)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpread\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e↔️ 60cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e🌱 60cm apart\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGreat for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e⚫ Dark\/Gothic Themes\u003cbr\u003e🐝 Bees (Single Flower)\u003cbr\u003e🏰 Back of Border\u003cbr\u003e🏠 Wall-Side Planting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd; background-color: #f9f9f9;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Count\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eApprox. 50 seeds per packet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e🤝 Perfect Garden Companions\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black flowers need light, bright partners so they don't disappear into the shadows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.3em;\"\u003e☁️\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #005bd3;\" title=\"Cosmos Purity Seeds\" href=\"\/products\/cosmos-purity-seeds\"\u003eCosmos 'Purity':\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e The Monochrome Look. The pure white, airy flowers of Cosmos Purity provide a stark, sophisticated contrast to the heavy, black columns of the Hollyhock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1.3em;\"\u003e🍋\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #005bd3;\" title=\"Larkspur Limelight Seeds\" href=\"\/products\/larkspur-limelight-mix\"\u003eLarkspur 'Limelight Mix':\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e The Zesty Lift. The greenish-white spikes of the Larkspur act as a highlight, making the dark maroon of the Hollyhock look richer and warmer by comparison.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003chr style=\"border: 0; border-top: 1px solid #eee; margin: 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"color: #005bd3; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e📅 Sowing \u0026amp; Flowering Calendar\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding: 10px 0; margin-bottom: 10px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSow in summer. Plant out in autumn. Flowers the following summer.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0; border: 1px solid #ddd; font-size: 0.9em; min-width: 300px;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f4f4f4;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: left; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #f4f4f4; z-index: 10; max-width: 100px;\"\u003eMonth\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eF\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eM\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eA\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eM\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eJ\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eA\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eS\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eO\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eN\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; min-width: 25px;\"\u003eD\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #fff; z-index: 10; font-size: 0.9em;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSow Outdoors\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #d4edda;\"\u003e🟢\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #fff; z-index: 10; font-size: 0.9em;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #fff3cd;\"\u003e🌱\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #fff3cd;\"\u003e🌱\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; position: sticky; left: 0; background-color: #fff; z-index: 10; font-size: 0.9em;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers (Yr 2)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e🌸\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e🌸\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e🌸\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center; background-color: #f8d7da;\"\u003e🌸\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; border-right: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 8px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background-color: #fff3cd; border: 1px solid #ffeeba; padding: 15px; border-radius: 5px; margin-top: 20px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0px; text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e⚠️ Skin Irritation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe stems and leaves of Hollyhocks are covered in rough, bristly hairs that can be irritating to sensitive skin. We recommend wearing gloves when staking or cutting down the plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 30px; text-align: center; padding: 20px; background-color: #f4f9f4; border-radius: 8px; border: 1px solid #dce7dc;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e🏆 Officially Recognised Excellence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Nigra' is a magnet for bees. Unlike double varieties, its single, open shape allows bumblebees easy access to the plentiful pollen and nectar inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53217817919815,"sku":"HLY-NIG","price":2.65,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0859\/7051\/8343\/files\/2048800db7fb7eebd449cc9_upscale_584b74a8-9dfe-4404-a0ef-38bc0f4f881a.jpg?v=1769507610","url":"https:\/\/naturalgrower.co.uk\/products\/hollyhock-nigra","provider":"Natural Grower","version":"1.0","type":"link"}