Hollyhock 'Nigra'Alcea roseaAlthaea rosea

Sow on the surface of the compost in late winter in John Innes Compost. Make sure that the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 12-21 days at 15-21C (65-70F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.They can also be sown in mid summer, overwintered in a coldframe and planted out in spring. This produces larger plants.

Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost 38cm (15in) apart in well cultivated garden soil and some shelter.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £4.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £6.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.