Alcea rosea, 'Halo Apricot'

Germination

Sow indoors in spring or directly. Surface sow individual seeds 20mm apart onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 15-21°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle, 3-4 weeks later, into individual pots. Handle leaves only, the stem is fragile. Grow on in bright cool conditions. Acclimatise and plant out in May/ June. Can be sown into a cold frame in mid summer and planted out the following spring.

Growing

Prefers a well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun, against a sunny wall is ideal. May require staking in exposed sites. This genus can be prone to rust fungus, treat with fungicide if desired.