Double Black Hollyhock
Alcea rosea
 
These Biennials put off small blooms the first year but come into full force year 2. And trust me it’s worth the wait. The color potency is obvious if you have ever been harvesting when the spent blooms are slightly damp.
 
During summer harvesting I make daily walks around the garden right after my picnic lunch and when the sun has dried off any morning dew from the plants I intend for drying. On hollyhock I simply pull the lowest most spent blooms as they have started drying on the plant and then newest blooms continue to open. Be mindful as you are gathering to gently pull the blooms off because if they are not ready you do not want to pull the seed pod off with it.
 
These seeds have been gathered from my dye garden once I see the seed pod has fully ripened and the outer casing has turned a light tan and the seeds are cracking open and dark. I diligently gathering each flower for either fresh flower pounding (Tataki-zomé), bundle dyeing, fresh dye bath (immersion) or added to the flower press to be saved for later botanical prints.
 
Dye guide and workshops coming soon for more details.