By Celiabradley
United Kingdom 
Last year I was in The Loire Valley in France and picked some Hollyhock seeds growing in waste ground. They are now growing in pots on my kitchen windowsill. Some have reached about 9 inches, but although the leaves are quite good, the stems are still spindly. I haven't put them outside at all as the wind has been very cold and I thought this might damage them. Can you tell me what to do next please. Our back garden is North facing and our front garden is South facing. I live in Bournemouth, one long road back from the sea front.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you. I've added a photo, hope this helps.
Best wishes
Celia Bradley
8 May, 2017
Answers
Hi
They look great , they need to get used to being outside for about 7 to 10 days which will help toughen them up before you plant them out into permanent positions.
What you need to do is find a spot outside, out the wind and not too sunny and put them out for the day and then bring back in at night time or cover in fleece and take it off during the day ... after that front garden would be ideal as they like sunshine.
Hope that helps
8 May, 2017
Agree with above. Try to get them out into the sun as quickly as possible.
8 May, 2017
Don't put them out in hot sun immediately - they're not used to any direct sunlight, and need to acclimatize gradually, stand them somewhere that's shady or partially shaded, especially in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest, until they're properly hardened, then plant into a sunny spot.
9 May, 2017
Thanks to everyone. I'll try your suggestions and let you know.
Celia
9 May, 2017
They are spindly because they haven't got enough light. If that is your only windowsill you should be turning them round regularly.
It seems rather ambitious to grow hollyhocks so near to the sea but nothing venture nothing win! If you have a sheltered sunny corner in your front garden try standing the pots outside during the day and bringing them in at night for a few weeks to harden them off gradually.
Also they look rather crowded - it might be worth potting them up separately now as it won't be safe to plant them out until they are fully hardened off.
8 May, 2017