How To Transplant Hollyhocks

If you want to move your hollyhocks to a better spot, you’ve come to the right place. This simple step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to transplant hollyhocks for success. These classic cottage garden favorites can be moved with a little know-how, ensuring they thrive in their new location and bloom beautifully for seasons to come.

Transplanting might seem daunting, but hollyhocks are tougher than they look. Whether you’re moving self-sown seedlings, dividing an established clump, or relocating a plant that isn’t happy, timing and technique are key. Let’s get your hands dirty and give your hollyhocks a fresh start.

This main process covers the essential stages of moving your plant. Following these core steps will minimize shock and give your hollyhock the best chance to settle in quickly.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Hollyhocks?

Timing is the most important factor for a successful move. Get this right, and your plant will recover faster.

For Young Seedlings: The ideal time is early spring or fall. Transplant them when they have 2-4 true leaves and are still small. Cooler temperatures and moist soil help them establish roots without the stress of summer heat.
For Established Plants: Early fall is often best. The soil is warm, which encourages root growth, but the air is cooler, reducing demand on the plant. You can also transplant in very early spring, as soon as the ground is workable but before significant new growth starts.
Time of Day: Always transplant on a cloudy, cool day or in the late afternoon. This prevents the sun from wilting the plant while it’s vulnerable.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your tools beforehand makes the job smooth and easy. Here’s your checklist:

A sharp shovel or spade
A garden fork (for established plants)
Watering can or hose
Compost or well-rotted manure
Mulch (like straw or shredded bark)
A bucket or tarp for moving the plant
Gardening gloves

Preparing the New Planting Site

Always prepare the new hole before you dig up the hollyhock. This reduces the time the roots are exposed.

Choose the Right Spot: Hollyhocks need full sun (at least 6-8 hours) and well-draining soil. They also appreciate shelter from strong winds, which can damage their tall flower spikes.
Dig the Hole: Make the new hole twice as wide and just as deep as the rootball you expect to dig up. This loosens the soil around the roots, making it easier for them to expand.
Amend the Soil: Mix the excavated soil with a few handfuls of compost. This improves nutrients and drainage. Fill the hole with water and let it drain completely; this ensures the surrounding soil is moist.

Step-by-Step: Digging Up Your Hollyhock

Now, carefully remove the plant from its current location. Be as gentle as possible with the roots.

Water Thoroughly: The day before transplanting, give the hollyhock a deep watering. This hydrates the plant and helps the soil hold together around the roots.
Dig a Wide Circle: For seedlings, dig several inches away from the stem. For larger plants, start digging about 10-12 inches out to avoid cutting major roots. Use your shovel to slice down in a circle around the plant.
Lift the Rootball: Slide the shovel under the rootball at an angle. Gently pry and lift the plant. For big clumps, use a garden fork to help loosen it from beneath. Try to keep the rootball intact.
Transfer Quickly: Place the rootball on your tarp or in a bucket. If you need to move it a distance, keep the roots covered and moist.

Special Note on Transplanting Mature Hollyhocks

Large, older hollyhocks have taproots. These are long, thick main roots. You will likely sever this taproot, and that’s okay. The key is to take as much of the root system as you can and get it replanted immediatly. The plant may wilt initially but will often recover if kept well-watered.

Planting in the New Location

This is where your preparation pays off. The goal is to get the plant settled at the correct depth.

Place the hollyhock’s rootball into the prepared hole. The top of the rootball should be level with the surrounding soil surface. Do not plant it deeper than it was originally growing.
Backfill the hole with your soil-compost mixture. Gently firm the soil around the roots with your hands to eliminate large air pockets.
Create a shallow basin around the stem to hold water. Water deeply and slowly until the soil is saturated. This settles the soil and gives the roots their first drink in their new home.

Aftercare: Helping Your Hollyhock Thrive

Post-transplant care is crucial. Your plant needs some extra attention for the first few weeks.

Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 3-4 weeks. Water every other day if there’s no rain, then gradually taper off as you see new growth.
Apply Mulch: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant. This conserves moisture, keeps roots cool, and suppresses weeds. Keep the mulch a couple inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
Provide Support: If you transplanted a tall variety, insert a stake now to avoid damaging roots later. Tie the stem loosely to the stake with soft twine.
Hold Off on Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize right away. The compost in the planting hole is enough. Fertilizing can stress tender new roots. Wait until the plant shows strong new growth, usually after a month.

Common Problems and Solutions After Transplanting

Even with perfect care, you might see a few issues. Here’s how to handle them.

Wilting Leaves: This is normal transplant shock. Provide shade for a few days with a light cloth or basket and keep the soil moist. The plant should perk up.
Yellowing Lower Leaves: Some older leaves may yellow and die as the plant focuses energy on new roots. Just snip them off.
Sluggish Growth: Be patient. The plant is building its root system underground. Top growth will resume once the roots are established.
Pests: Stressed plants can attract aphids. Spray them off with a strong jet of water or use a mild insecticidal soap.

FAQ: Your Transplanting Questions Answered

Can you transplant hollyhocks in the summer?
It’s not ideal. If you must, do it on a very cool, overcast day. Be prepared to water constantly and provide temporary shade. Success rates are lower in summer heat.

How do you transplant hollyhock seedlings?
Follow the same steps, but be extra gentle. Use a trowel to lift them, keeping as much soil attached as possible. Handle them by the leaves, not the fragile stem.

Can I divide hollyhocks when transplanting?
Yes! In early spring or fall, you can dig up a mature clump and carefully pull or cut it into smaller sections, each with roots and shoots. Replant each division immediately.

Why are my transplanted hollyhocks not flowering?
Hollyhocks are often biennial, meaning they grow leaves the first year and flower the second. If you transplant a first-year plant, it may just be focusing on growth. Ensure it gets enough sun—less than 6 hours can reduce blooming.

How far apart should I space transplanted hollyhocks?
Space them 18 to 24 inches apart. Good air circulation helps prevent rust, a common fungal disease in hollyhocks.

Transplanting hollyhocks is a straight forward garden task that can save a plant or help you redesign your garden. By choosing the right time, handling the roots with care, and providing good aftercare, you’ll be rewarded with stately blooms. Remember, a little temporary wilting is normal; just keep the water coming and let the plant adjust to its new home. With these steps, your hollyhocks will be standing tall and beautiful in no time.