Many hollyhocks are biennial, so will not bloom until their second year. That being said, I'm sure there are exceptions. Sorry that wasn't what you were hoping for.

Martha

Yes, hollyhocks take 2 years to bloom. You could search out an inexpensive plant for colour for this year!

Nancy.

Good ! Mine should bloom this year - walked by them today- they don't die back either- mine still are green and pretty in zone 7b

Yes I know some hollyhocks are biennial/perennial, I have grown HH for many years. But I bought a pack of annual HH seeds and since I've never planted the annual variety (from seed) I was curious if they really would grow and bloom the same year. Meanwhile I did a Google and an article stated that the annual HH will "grow base leaves and flower stalks the first year". Which I take it means if I plant the seed in Spring I'll have flowers in Summer. But I didn't check to see if they meant in my zone. lol Then I suppose you may get plants next year if they re-seed?

Thanks for the replies.