Survival of Foxglove and Hollyhock Seedlings Over Winter
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Margaret Lock
Posted on: August 17, 1999

I ordered seeds from you, including foxglove and hollyhock. I planted them and they came through and are going fine. I plan to transplant them in a few weeks, once they are bigger, but what will happen in the winter months? These young seedlings will die back, of course, but will they survive and sprout again in the spring? Should they be mulched? (From Montreal, Quebec.)

Foxglove and hollyhock are hardy. In the Montreal area where you are located. the seedlings can be transplanted as late as early to mid September. After that the risk is too great and it is better just to leave the seedlings where they are sown and transplant them in the spring. A mulch of dead leaves or straw applied after the ground is frozen but before the first lasting snow fall is recommended. There is no guarantee that your plants will survive, but the chances are very good provided the seedlings are big enough to establish good roots systems before the killing frosts arrive.

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