Hollyhock Plants Grow But Produce No Tall Stems

Question From: g. mennel - Concord, California, United States
Q: I have planted hollyhocks for the past two seasons. The plants seem to grow at first but no tall stems emerged. What am I doing wrong?

A: The best time to plant them is early September. The seeds will sprout and produce small plants that will overwinter and come up again next spring. Mulch them for winter protection. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy