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When to Plant Hollyhock in Austin, Texas (78708)

Location

Austin, Texas

ZIP Code

78708

USDA Zone

9a

Last Frost

Friday, February 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Friday, January 9, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Friday, March 6, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, February 20, 2026 · Zone 9a

Pro tip: Start Hollyhock seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Alcea rosea
Days to Maturity 365 days
Mature Height 48-96"
Spread 24"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days

Ready to Plant Hollyhock in Austin?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, January 9, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

RoseVegetable Garden
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Hollyhock

See which plants help Hollyhock thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods (disc-shaped) to dry on the stalk after petals drop. Harvest when brown and papery.

Processing

Remove seeds from papery rings, spread to dry 1 week before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Hollyhocks cross freely with other hollyhock varieties. Expect some color variation in seed-grown plants.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Hollyhock. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Hollyhock in Austin, Texas? +

In Austin (Zone 9a), start Hollyhock seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Austin, Texas? +

The average last spring frost date for Austin, Texas (ZIP 78708) is around Friday, February 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9a.

How long does Hollyhock take to grow? +

Hollyhock typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Austin, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 6, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Hollyhock indoors or direct sow in Texas? +

Hollyhock should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Austin, that means starting around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Other Plants for Austin

Growing Hollyhock in Zone 9a

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Austin, Texas, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, you should start seeds indoors around Friday, January 9, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, February 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Hollyhock seedlings outdoors around Friday, March 6, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.