A hollyhock sown this spring has buds: will it flower this year?
Your hollyhock has already formed buds, which changes the picture considerably. The question is no longer whether it wants to flower, but how much it can manage before cold slows it down.
This is a hollyhock, and several well-developed buds are visible high on the stem. It has moved beyond the leafy stage and is actually approaching flowering, so there is a good chance some will open soon.
As it is already September in Hartungviken, Sweden, temperature is the main deciding factor. A mild spell may allow several flowers, while early cold nights can halt it before the whole stem flowers. Expect some flowers rather than a full, prolonged late-summer display.
Keep conditions steady now: water during dry spells, avoid strong nitrogen feeding and give it warmth and light. Support the stem if it is exposed to wind, as the buds are worth protecting. Watch for the first open flower over the next few weeks.
Sources and images 1
- Original reader contribution ↗Reader question