Alcea rosea, 'Spring Celebrity Apricot'

Germination

For flowers the same year sow indoors in winter-early spring. Surface sow individual seeds 20mm apart onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover with a sprinkling of soil or vermiculite. Propagate or place seed tray in a polythene bag. Ideal temp. 15-20°C Germination takes 2-3 weeks. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on. Handle the leaves only, the stem is fragile. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. For flowers the following year surface sow as above and place seed tray in a cool greenhouse, overwinter plants in a cool, well lit area and plant 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.

Cultivation

Propagate by seed. Cut back after flowering. Will self-seed. self-seeded plants will try to creep towards the sunny front of a border. Dig these up and pot, once established replant towards the back of the border.