Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hollyhocks define the cottage garden vertical—but chasing the specific deep wine-magenta with a pale reverse that defines a true ‘Creme De Cassis’ means you cannot settle for a bag of anonymous mixed seed. You need a variety that holds its color, doubles reliably, and climbs to a commanding height without flopping.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing seed genetics, digging into germination trial data, and cross-referencing hundreds of aggregate owner reports so you get the exact specification breakdown that matters for this specific hollyhock type.
Whether you want towering fence-line drama or a compact border accent, this guide breaks down the best seed packets for growing your own striking creme de cassis hollyhock.
How To Choose The Best Creme De Cassis Hollyhock
Not every seed packet labeled “hollyhock mix” will deliver the rich burgundy-and-cream double flowers that make Creme De Cassis a standout. Focus on a few key factors before buying.
Double vs. Single Bloom Genetics
The Creme De Cassis look depends on fully double blooms with densely packed ruffled petals. A “single mix” packet produces flat, open-faced flowers with a visible central cone—attractive, but not the target look. Look for phrases like “Chater’s Double,” “double hollyhock,” or explicit double-flower variety labeling in the product description.
Seed Quantity and Germination Rate
A 1-ounce packet (~3,000 seeds) sounds generous, but a lower germination rate means fewer plants. Aim for verified 90%+ germination rates from the supplier. Also, check the seed count for “pure live seed” versus raw bulk—some packets count hulls and chaff. A smaller, high-germination packet often outperforms a massive bag of poorly stored seed.
Height and Habit
True Creme De Cassis hollyhocks are biennial/tender perennials that can hit 5–6 feet in ideal conditions. If your space is tight or you are growing in a container, look for dwarf or compact varieties. For the classic cottage fence line, the tall, self-supporting spires are exactly what you want—just plan to stake if your site is windy.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EquSym Double Hollyhock | Premium | Large fence-line backdrops | 3,000+ seeds, double blooms | Amazon |
| HOME GROWN Chaters Double | Mid-Range | Cold-hardy regions (Zone 2-10) | 2,400 seeds, frost tolerant to -30F | Amazon |
| MySeeds.Co Single Mix | Premium | Cut flower bouquets | 3,000 seeds, heirloom single | Amazon |
| Organo Republic Mix | Mid-Range | High-germination reliability | 1 oz / ~3,000 seeds, 90% germ | Amazon |
| SWEET YARDS Chater’s Double | Budget | Entry-level double mix | 0.5 oz / 1,500 seeds, double blooms | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. EquSym Double Hollyhock Flower Seeds
This large bulk pack gives you over 3,000 seeds specifically labeled for double blooms—the exact genetic type you need for a true Creme De Cassis appearance. The mixed-color approach means you get the deep burgundy, pink, and cream variations that make this variety a fence-line showstopper.
EquSym backs the packet with clear germination instructions: surface sow or cover 1/8 inch, space 18–24 inches, and expect germination within 10–21 days. The seeds are rated for full sun to partial shade and USDA zones 3-9, which covers most of the continental US.
Owners report strong germination rates and tall, sturdy stems that don’t require staking unless exposed to high winds. The main caveat is that you get a mix of colors—not a 100% guaranteed Creme De Cassis-specific seed, so you’ll need to cull open-pollinated off-types if you want a uniform row.
What works
- Bulk count ensures plenty of backup plants
- Explicit double-flower genetics
- Wide hardiness range (Zones 3-9)
What doesn’t
- Mixed colors include non-Creme De Cassis shades
- No organic or heirloom certification listed
2. HOME GROWN Hollyhock Chaters Double Mix
If you garden in a region with brutal winters, this Chaters Double mix from HOME GROWN is a standout because its seed genetics are bred for hardiness down to -30°F (Zone 2-10). That means you can direct-sow in spring and expect the rosettes to overwinter successfully even in northern climates.
The packet ships 2,400 non-GMO, untreated seeds in a resealable bag with a bonus grow guide. The variety is described as producing “ultra-double pom-poms” with multilayered ruffled petals—exactly the structure that gives Creme De Cassis its lush, luxurious look. The color palette spans snow-white, salmon, coral, peach, purple, scarlet, and bicolor variations.
Buyers note that the seeds are tiny and easy to scatter too thickly—thin diligently to 18–24 inches. Expect plants to reach around 5 feet. The mix does include many shades, so you may get more pinks than deep burgundies depending on the batch.
What works
- Extreme cold hardiness for northern zones
- Genuinely double, ruffled blooms
- Comes with detailed grow instructions
What doesn’t
- Small seed size makes spacing difficult
- Color distribution varies per batch
3. MySeeds.Co Big Pack Hollyhock Single Mix
This is the only single-flower mix on our list, but it earns a spot because many traditionalists and cut-flower growers prefer the open-faced, bee-friendly form of single hollyhocks. MySeeds.Co offers 3,000 heirloom seeds in a color range from white to dark red, including pink, yellow, and orange.
The seeds are outdoor-oriented, needing full sun and moderate watering. With an expected plant height of about 3 feet, this mix is shorter than the 5-6 foot doubles—ideal if you want a more compact plant that won’t overwhelm a smaller border. The seeds are labeled as “resistant” which suggests good disease tolerance against hollyhock rust.
For the Creme De Cassis look specifically, single blooms won’t give you the dense, ruffled petals. But if you’re after a pure heirloom strain with excellent pollinator value and a lower stature, this pack is a high-value choice. The main feedback from customers is that the germination rate is solid, but the final colors are unpredictable.
What works
- Heirloom non-GMO genetics
- Compact 3-foot height for small spaces
- High disease resistance labeling
What doesn’t
- Single blooms, not double
- Lower height limits dramatic fence-line impact
4. Organo Republic Hollyhock Flower Seeds Pack
Organo Republic focuses on germination reliability, and their lab-tested 90%+ rate is verified. The 1-ounce bag holds roughly 3,000 non-GMO heirloom seeds, packed in a waterproof resealable pouch with a QR code linking to a full online grow guide.
The stated expected blooming period is year-round in suitable climates, though realistically hollyhocks are summer-blooming biennials. The mix includes pink, orange, red, and green shades—so while it won’t deliver only Creme De Cassis tones, the color range is broad enough to find the deep red-burgundy you’re after.
Customers appreciate the high viability and the airtight bag that keeps seed fresh for up to 2 years. However, the packet is clearly a general hollyhock mix, not a specific double-flower or color-targeted variety, so expect a mix of single and semi-double forms. If your priority is guaranteed germination over specific genetics, this is your pick.
What works
- Verified 90%+ germination rate
- Waterproof resealable packaging
- Detailed online growing guide via QR code
What doesn’t
- Not specifically double-flower or Creme De Cassis
- Color mix leans toward brights, not deep wines
5. SWEET YARDS Hollyhock ‘Chater’s Double’ Mix
Sweet Yards brings a classic Chater’s Double mix at an entry-level price point. The 0.5-ounce packet contains about 1,500 pure live seeds—enough to cover roughly 100 square feet. The mix is designed for double blooms in a range of colors from deep red to soft pink and bright yellow.
This is a strong option for a first-time hollyhock grower who wants the double-flower effect without committing to a huge bulk bag. The company offers a 30-day germination guarantee, and the resealable packaging with planting instructions makes it giftable and beginner-friendly.
Where it falls short is sheer volume—1,500 seeds is modest compared to the 3,000-seed packs above. Also, the Chater’s Double name guarantees double genetics, but the color mix can be heavy on pale pinks and yellows rather than the deep burgundy you specifically want for Creme De Cassis. Thin generously and be prepared to select your keepers.
What works
- Authentic Chater’s Double double-flower genetics
- 30-day germination guarantee builds confidence
- Compact packet for small garden spaces
What doesn’t
- Modest seed count (1,500) limits coverage
- Color distribution favors pale shades
Hardware & Specs Guide
Seed Count & Germination
Packets range from 1,500 to 3,000+ seeds. A 90% germination rate means you get ~2,700 viable plants from a 3,000-seed bag—much better than a cheap packet that tests at 60%. Always look for the “germination test” note on the label; brands that list it are more transparent about quality.
Bloom Type: Double vs. Single
Double-flowered hollyhocks (Chater’s Double series or labeled “double”) have ruffled, layered petals that create a pom-pom effect. Single-flowered varieties have flat, open faces with a visible central column. For the Creme De Cassis aesthetic, double blooms are non-negotiable unless you specifically want the pollinator-friendly single form.
Hardiness Zone & Cold Tolerance
Most hollyhocks are biennial/tender perennials for USDA zones 3-9. Some varieties, like HOME GROWN’s Chaters Double, are rated down to -30°F (Zone 2). If you garden north of Zone 5, check the product’s hardiness rating—standard mixes may not survive your winter.
Plant Height & Spacing
Tall varieties reach 5-6 feet at maturity; compact versions stay around 3 feet. Space seedlings 18-24 inches apart to allow air circulation, which reduces rust disease. For fence-line backdrops, the extra height of 5-foot double hollyhocks is ideal; for borders or containers, look for shorter singles or compact doubles.
FAQ
Will a Chater’s Double mix produce true Creme De Cassis colors?
How long does it take for hollyhock seeds to germinate?
Can I direct-sow hollyhock seeds in the fall for spring blooms?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the creme de cassis hollyhock winner is the EquSym Double Hollyhock because its 3,000+ seed count and explicit double-bloom labeling offer the best chance of getting the deep, ruffled flowers you want at a practical scale. If you need extreme cold hardiness down to -30°F, grab the HOME GROWN Chaters Double. And for the pure heirloom single-flower look that pollinators love, nothing beats the MySeeds.Co Single Mix.