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When to Plant Hollyhock in Tucson, Arizona (85708)

Location

Tucson, Arizona

ZIP Code

85708

USDA Zone

9b

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Transplant Outdoors

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Start Hollyhock seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 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 Tucson?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

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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 Tucson, Arizona? +

In Tucson (Zone 9b), start Hollyhock seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 30, 2025 and transplant outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Tucson, Arizona? +

The average last spring frost date for Tucson, Arizona (ZIP 85708) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Hollyhock take to grow? +

Hollyhock typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Tucson, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, February 24, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Hollyhock should be started indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. In Tucson, that means starting around Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Other Plants for Tucson

Growing Hollyhock in Zone 9b

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a popular garden vegetable. In Tucson, Arizona, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should start seeds indoors around Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Plan to transplant your Hollyhock seedlings outdoors around Tuesday, February 24, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.