Jet Black Hollyhock
Alcea rosea ‘nigra’
Hearty biennial 
DYE: Purple-blue, greyish blue, slate grey 
 
GROW: Start indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting outside – number of days to germination can vary a lot. Moderate water after germination, plant in full sun. The first year’s growth establishes a dense clump of leaves, and in the second year it sends up stalks of flowers that can reach 7 or 8 feet tall that bloom until frost. Aphids can be hard on the blossoms. Save seed if there is no other variety of hollyhock in the area.
 
HARVEST: Harvest 2-3” blooms frequently at their peak. Dry out of direct sunlight and store in open paper bags.
 
EXTRACT DYE: Jet Black Hollyhock contains anthocyanin, the most water soluble of the botanical dyes. This allows it to release its color quickly, but lacks good wash fastness unless handled with care. Medium color can be achieved with a 1:2 ratio of dyestuff to fiber. Place the dyestuff in the dyepot and slowly bring to just below a simmer, hold for 30 minutes then let cool. Strain out the dyestuff, squeezing as much color out of the plants as you can, then compost the plant material. When wet, Hollyhock turns slimy but the texture does not affect the dye.