Ask John Negus
How do I propagate my giant hollyhocks?
Q I have an 11ft (3.3m) hollyhock growing in heavy clay soil, that has produced almost 60 blooms. How can I propagate it?
Robert Algar, Glasgow
A What a tall hollyhock! If it has made a large plant, with several shoots appearing from the base, you could, in spring, when the soil is warming nicely and the plant has started to grow again, lift it carefully and split it into several well-rooted and budded portions. Replant them in organically rich soil.
Alternatively, this year, wait for seeds to ripen – they will turn brown and be easy to remove from the seed pod – and store them in a dry jam jar, with the lid on, in a cool, dark frost-free place.
Sow seeds in spring. Simply sprinkle them on to the surface of 4in (10cm) pot filled with seed and cutting compost and cover them with a 1/4in (6mm) of grit.
Water them in and seal the pot in a plastic bag.
Consign it to a propagator or warm, south-facing windowsill. Seedlings will appear within a few weeks.
Hollyhocks are prone to a fungal rust infection. If yours have succumbed, it is best to remove them and plant new ones elsewhere in the garden.
What is this allotment invader?
A plant is growing on my allotment and I am unsure what it is –
