I posted in the other thread on the New England forum where you asked this.

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/4778445/hollyhock-anyone?n=11

Yes thanks. I picked it up over there. Can't wait to plant them.

I grew hollyhocks from seed (planted directly in the ground) one year long ago, and they grew tall and beautiful in a sunny spot. I saved the seeds in the fall and replanted the following spring, only to find that the seeds I had bought the first year were hybrids, and their offspring the second year were a pale pastel shadow of the lovely brightly colored blooms of the parents. I lost interest in them after that, and construction of a new addition shaded the sunny spot on the south side of the house that had provided both sun and support for the hollyhocks, so I've never grown them since. I will say though that starting the seeds in pots is probably not necessary, as mine got no early start and I am in a far northern location.

I'd love to see pictures when your hollyhocks are blooming!

Wow - that's interesting about directly planting seeds with such a good outcome. Not to mention your northern location. Did you plant in the spring, like about now? Hopefully, I will be able to upload a pict of success. Thanks very much for your input.

The weather is just plain strange -- all over the country. The cold in RI just seemed to hold on for a loooong time. We did finally plant our tomatoes but were leery of doing so. They look happy now. Thanks again.