These edible heirloom flowers make a stunning addition to your walk ways and yard. Zebrina hollyhock seeds are easy to save and will keep your gardens full of flowers for years to come!
![a zebrina hollyhock plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/how-to-collect-and-save-zebrine-hollyhock-seeds.png)
I was not familiar with zebrina hollyhocks before this past growing season.
My sister was so sweet and gave me a several packs of flower seeds, one of which were these lovely pink and purple flowers.
The end of our growing season is coming to an end and I knew I wanted to save enough seeds to plant a whole garden of these pretty flowers next year.
Little did I know that saving zebrina seeds is so very easy.
There is something so satisfying about being able to save your own flower seeds from year to year.
Especially because you don’t have to feel bad about planting a whole bunch of flowers every season.
They’re free!
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![zebrina hollyhock flower](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-4-1024x768.jpg)
What are zebrina hollyhocks?
Zebrina hollyhocks are not true hollyhocks.
Although these flowers are similar to a hollyhock in their growing pattern and even the way their seeds form, they are actually a type of mallow.
Their scientific name is Malva Sylvestris, or more commonly known as just plain ‘Zebrina’.
These flowers are known by a few other names including: French Hollyhock Zebrina, Zebra Mallow, Common Mallow, or Striped Mallow.
Zebrinas are heirloom flowers that have been popular for many, many years.
The pink and purple striped flowers bloom on tall stems from June to September.
They can grow up to 3 or 4 feet tall and are about 18 to 24 inches wide.
Zebrina hollyhocks are typically hardy between zones 4-8.
![zebrina hollyhock plant full of flowers](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-3-768x1024.jpg)
Are zebrinas edible?
The leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the zebrina are edible.
Zebrina plants are used for treating colds, coughs/congestion, bronchitis, tonsillitis, eczema, and digestive issues.
One of the best ways to reap benefits of this plant is to make a tea using the flowers, leaves and/or roots.
Make sure that you have the malva sylvestris plant as there can be other plants that look similar.
![zebrina hollyhock seeds](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-5-768x1024.jpg)
Do zebrinas come back every year?
In short, kind of.
Zebrina hollyhocks are biennial or a short living perennial, meaning they will live 2 or more years but not necessarily forever like some perennials seem to.
However, zebrina plants usually reseed themselves every year so once established, zebrinas will keep coming back even if it isn’t the same exact plant.
How to save zebrina hollyhock seeds
Collecting
Zebrinas have little seed pods that form on the tall stems. There are typically a lot of these seed pods.
![zebrina hollyhock seed pods](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-13-1024x768.jpg)
The seed pods have to be dry when you collect them in order for them to grow when you plant them next season.
![unripe seed pod](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-7-1024x768.jpg)
![ripe seed pod](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-9-1024x768.jpg)
The above pictures show the difference between a seed pod that is ready to harvest and one that is not dry enough to harvest.
When you find a dry seed pod on the zebrina plant, place your dominate hand underneath the seed pod.
With your pointer finger and thumb, gently pull the pod off the plant and into the palm of your hand.
![pulling a seed pod off the zebrina plant](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-15-1024x768.jpg)
You want to keep your hand cupped like this because the dry seeds inside the pod often fall out when you pull on them.
Collect as many seed pods as you want off of your plant, picking only the dry, brown seed pods.
Preparing
Next, you are going to want to separate the seeds from the pod. There are two ways to do this.
1st and easier method:
Grab a handful of the seed pods and rub them all together inside your hand. This breaks up the seeds and pulls them out of their pods.
![rubbing the seed pods to get the seeds out](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-18-1024x768.jpg)
You can leave them just like this and plant them, pods and all. It will just add extra organic matter to your soil. You may want to plant the seeds a bit thicker to make up for pods that are mixed in with the seeds because they take up some extra space.
2nd and ‘cleaner’ method:
Pull each seed pod apart and separate the seeds from the pods and husks, making sure to pick anything out that is not a seed.
![zebrina hollyhock seeds in the palm of a womans hand](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Collect-and-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-10-768x1024.jpg)
How to plant Zebrina Hollyhock seeds
Start zebrinas indoors about 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Fill a pot with potting soil. Sprinkle in a few zebrina seeds. Cover with a thin layer of dirt and lightly pack down.
Keep the soil moist but not wet. Store in place that is between 70-75°F.
Zebrinas should take between 14-28 days to germinate.
After danger of frost is gone for the year, plant zebrina seeds in moist, well-drained soil in an area that gets full sun to part shade.
Zebrinas can grow up to 4 feet tall, so plant them in an area that you want to add vertical interest.
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![how to save zebrina hollyhock seeds pinnable image](https://homelifeonadime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/How-to-Save-Zebrina-Hollyhock-Seeds-Pinballe-image-576x1024.png)
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Do you grow zebrina hollyhocks?
Where is your favorite area to grow them? Do add them into a flower garden, are they the main attraction or are they in the background? Let us know in the comment section!
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