How to Grow Chater's Double Hollyhock
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Chater's Double Hollyhock
Alcea rosea var. nigra 'Chater's Double'
flowerChater's Double is a stunning double-flowered hollyhock variety producing large, fully-petaled blooms that resemble roses or peonies. These biennial flowers reach 5-8 feet tall and create dramatic vertical accents in cottage gardens. The densely-packed petals come in rich colors including deep burgundy, pink, white, yellow, and apricot.
When should you plant Chater's Double Hollyhock in your zone?
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Example Chater's Double Hollyhock timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chater's Double Hollyhock
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Chater's Double Hollyhock blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chater's Double Hollyhock dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Chater's Double Hollyhock timeline →Growth Stages
Seed to Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with two cotyledons emerge within 10-14 days. Delicate true leaves appear shortly after.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and good air circulation. Thin seedlings to prevent damping off.
First-Year Vegetative Growth
6-8 monthsDuring the first growing season, plants develop a basal rosette of large, rough, heart-shaped leaves. Growth is primarily foliage; no flowering occurs.
Water regularly and maintain consistent soil moisture. Apply mulch to protect the rosette through winter. In cold climates, ensure good drainage to prevent winter rot.
Spring Growth & Bolting
4-6 weeksIn year two, tall flowering stems emerge in spring from the basal rosette, growing rapidly and reaching full height.
Provide stakes or supports for tall varieties. Remove lower leaves if needed for air circulation. Watch for rust fungus development.
Flowering
8-12 weeksLarge double flowers bloom profusely from mid-summer to early fall, densely packed along the tall stalks with 50+ flowers per plant possible.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water at soil level to keep foliage dry. Monitor for pests and diseases.
Seed Development & Decline
4-6 weeksIf not deadheaded, flowers mature into seed pods. Plant energy shifts to seed production; flowering slows and foliage may decline.
Allow some flowers to go to seed for self-sowing and next year's plants. Cut back after first frost. Collect seed for storage if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove infected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation by pruning lower foliage. Use sulfur dust or copper fungicide. Water only at base of plant.
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning. Remove plant debris where larvae overwinter. Use neem oil if infestations are severe.
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Hand-pick in early morning when beetles are sluggish. Use beetle traps away from plants. Avoid overuse of pesticides.
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Spray foliage with strong water jet to dislodge. Increase humidity and air circulation. Use miticide if severe.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryHollyhock petals are edible with a subtle, slightly sweet flavor and can be candied, used as cake decorations, or added fresh to salads for visual appeal. [source]
Cut Flowers & Garden Arrangements
CraftThe long stems and numerous double flowers make Chater's Double excellent for fresh floral arrangements, cottage garden displays, and as dramatic focal points in mixed borders. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalHistorically, hollyhock flowers and roots have been used in traditional medicine for soothing respiratory issues, reducing inflammation, and as a gentle laxative, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeTall hollyhock plants attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, providing abundant nectar and pollen as food sources during summer months. [source]
Natural Dye Source
HouseholdHollyhock flowers and petals can be used to create natural dyes for textiles and paper crafting, yielding pink, purple, and red hues depending on the flower color and mordant used. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Chater's Double hollyhocks are ornamental flowers best enjoyed in the garden. Cut stems for fresh arrangements when flowers first open, cutting in early morning. For seed collection, allow some flowers to mature fully, then harvest seed pods when they turn brown and papery in fall. Store seeds in cool, dry conditions for up to two years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chater's Double variety was developed in the 19th century by a London seedsman and remains one of the most prized hollyhock cultivars for its resemblance to roses.
- 🌱 Hollyhocks are biennial plants, meaning they follow a two-year life cycle: the first year they produce only leaves, and they flower and set seed in their second year.
- 🌱 The name 'hollyhock' likely derives from 'holy mallow,' as the plant was historically associated with medieval holy processions and gardens of religious houses.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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