ON THE HOLLYHOCK 201 



grafted on to thick pieces of root, tied round and 

 potted, with soil over the union, and put in a close, 

 warm frame. When they have rooted to the extent of 

 filling three-inch pots with roots, they may be planted 

 out. 



Seedling plants should be encouraged to make good 

 growth by thinning and hoeing in summer, and in 

 autumn some may be put into small pots and wintered 

 in a cold frame, the rest being planted out to take their 

 chance. It is generally acknowledged by Hollyhock 

 growers that seedlings are stronger and less liable to 

 disease than plants raised vegetatively, and if fresh 

 stock is raised at frequent intervals, and put on new 

 ground, the pleasure derived from Hollyhocks may still 

 be considerable. 



The plants like a deep, fertile soil, but rank manure 

 is not safe, and the ground had better be prepared in 

 autumn. It may be dug deeply then, the subsoil being 

 broken up, and a thick coat of manure laid on it. The 

 top soil should be left rough and dressed with wood- 

 ashes and bone flour or superphosphate in February, 

 just as in the case of Gladioli. The manure will decay, 

 the ground will become mellow, and the Hollyhocks 

 will make healthy growth when put out in May. Strong 

 stakes should be driven in at the time they are planted, 

 as they will need tying. 



The yellow and white fig-leaved Hollyhocks (Althaa 

 ficifolia) have a widening circle of admirers, and may 

 be grown in addition to the old kinds. Seed is avail- 

 able. 



