Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.5 Best Hollyhock Creme De Cassis | Tall Spires of Rich Wine

The deep wine-maroon spires of the elegant Creme De Cassis are a sophisticated upgrade for any fence line or cottage border. The sheer velvety texture and near-black coloring make this variety the definitive conversation starter among biennial growers.

I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I study seed market data, germination benchmarks, and aggregated buyer feedback to compare how each multipack performs against category-specific metrics like spec height consistency and true-to-color rates.

That level of scouting is exactly what it takes to choose the hollyhock creme de cassis batch that will deliver towering dark blooms from your first spring to your second.

How To Choose The Best Hollyhock Creme De Cassis

Since Creme De Cassis is prized for its dark, crushed-berry hue, your first priority is finding a supplier that consistently grows true to that specific color — many mixed batches yield pink or white runts. You must also decide between single-petal elegance and double, ruffled forms, as each changes the silhouette on your wall or fence.

Verify Color Fidelity Before Buying

Not every “dark mix” actually contains the deep wine-black tones of true Creme De Cassis. Check the supplier’s customer photo gallery and any bloom-time guarantees. Reputable seed houses often list specific color breakdowns and parent stock lineage for exclusive varieties.

Decide on Single vs. Double Bloom Form

Single blossoms offer a classic open-faced look that attracts pollinators more actively, while doubles produce layered pom-poms that add volume and a luxe, silken texture. Both can be found in the Creme De Cassis spectrum, but the seed header must be explicit about which form you are buying.

Quick Comparison

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Model Category Best For Key Spec Amazon
HOME GROWN Chaters Double Mix Mid-Range True double blooms & vintage color range 2,400 seeds, double-flowered, zones 2-10 Amazon
Chater’s Double Mix (1/2 oz) Mid-Range Moderate quantity with known bulk brand 1,500 seeds, 1/2 oz packet Amazon
3000+ Double Hollyhock Bulk Premium Large coverage for fence lines 3,000+ double-flower seeds, mixed-colors Amazon
SWEET YARDS Single Mixed 1/4 lb Premium Maximum seed count & germination guarantee 10,000 seeds, single-petal mix, 4 oz Amazon
Generic Blue Bacopa Hollyhock Budget Small test batch for first-timers 50 seeds, perennial mixed Amazon

In‑Depth Reviews

Best Overall

1. HOME GROWN Hollyhock Chaters Double Mix

Double Pom-pom Bloom2,400 Seeds

The HOME GROWN Chaters Double Mix is the strongest all-around option for growers who want the layered, ruffled double-flower form in a package that includes rich wine, deep purple, scarlet, and salmon tones — not just generic pastels. Each of the 2,400 seeds is labeled as non-GMO, heirloom, and eco-friendly, with germination tested in zones 2 through 10.

True double blooms overlap like small roses along a tall spike, giving you that classic old-fashioned cottage look. The brand specifically calls out frost tolerance down to -30 F, which means your established plants will come back reliably even in severe winters. Pollinator appeal is high, and the long sequential bloom period means you will have cut flowers for weeks.

Where it falls short: the color mix leans toward a traditional rainbow palette rather than a focused dark-wine pack. If you want only the Creme De Cassis hue, you might get a few lighter pinks mixed in from the same batch.

What works

  • Genuine extra-double pom-pom petal structure
  • High seed count per dollar for broad coverage
  • Listed down to -30°F hardiness

What doesn’t

  • Mix includes lighter pastels, not monochrome dark wine
  • No separate color breakdown by percentage
Best Value

2. Hollyhock ‘Chater’s Double’ Mix (1/2 oz)

1,500 SeedsClassic Chater Strain

At a half-ounce with 1,500 seeds, this is the classic Chater’s Double strain in a no-nonsense bulk pouch. Known for tall, fully double spires that can hit 6 feet, the Chater series is a time-tested performer in cottage gardens and along wood fences. The seeds come from a reliable seed-packet house that labels for species purity.

The big trade-off here is quantity versus intensity: you get enough seed to plant a long border, and the double bloom is reliably fluffy. However, the color palette spans wine reds, hot pinks, and peach — so you might not get a high proportion of the deep cassis shade you are after. The 1/2-ounce pouch is still an excellent entry point if you are willing to embrace a rainbow result.

One missing detail: no explicit germination guarantee or refund policy is stated on the listing, so you are trusting the brand’s reputation for freshness. The seeds are untreated and ready for direct spring sowing.

What works

  • Proven Chater strain known for tall, showy spikes
  • Half-ounce volume covers a full fence line
  • Untreated, non-GMO seeds

What doesn’t

  • Mix includes lighter shades — not all dark wine
  • No germination guarantee listed
Premium Bulk

3. 3000+ Double Hollyhock Flower Seeds

3,000+ SeedsMixed Double Blooms

This bulk pack targets growers who need serious coverage: 3,000-plus seeds in one bag, all double-flower form. It is marketed specifically for fence lines, wall backdrops, and the classic cottage garden silhouette. The sheer seed volume means you can sow thickly along a large shed or an entire property line.

Because this is a mixed-color bag, you will get a variety of petal hues. The listing states “mixed-color tall” rather than a single color strain, so Creme De Cassis lovers should expect a blend. Packing is beginner-friendly, with basic instructions included, though the seed source is a generic seller rather than a well-known seed house.

One downside: the double-flower claim is unverified by independent customer photos for this specific listing, so first-time buyers may want to start with a smaller sample. However, the value per seed is extremely low, making it a low-risk mass planting choice.

What works

  • Massive seed count for large-area coverage
  • Double-flower blooms on tall stems
  • Low cost per seed for budget-conscious gardeners

What doesn’t

  • Generic brand with limited color specificity
  • No verified customer images for the double-bloom form
Max Coverage

4. SWEET YARDS Hollyhock Single Mixed (1/4 lb)

10,000 Seeds4 oz Pouch

SWEET YARDS delivers the largest seed quantity on this list — a full 4-ounce pouch with over 10,000 live seeds, enough to cover up to 500 square feet. This is a single-petal mix, meaning you will get open-faced flowers that are incredibly attractive to bees and butterflies. The vintage elegance of single hollyhocks is ideal for creating a tall, airy backdrop.

The product includes a reusable zipper pouch and a 30-day germination guarantee — if the seeds fail to sprout, you get a full refund with no questions asked. That guarantee is rare for bulk seed pouches and reflects confidence in freshness. Colors are mixed, with burgundy, rich reds, pinks, and whites, so the cassis tones will be present but not isolated.

The catch: these are single-petal hollyhocks, not double or ruffled forms. If you want the dense, pom-pom look, skip this one. For sheer scale and a guaranteed genetic splendor of old-fashioned blooms, this is your best mass-planting pick.

What works

  • Massive 10,000-seed count for huge areas
  • 30-day no-questions germination guarantee
  • Sturdy resealable packaging

What doesn’t

  • Only single-petal form — not the double look
  • Mixed colors, not exclusively dark wine
Entry Level

5. Generic 50 Blue Bacopa Hollyhock Seeds

50 SeedsMixed Perennial

This tiny 50-seed packet is for gardeners who want to test hollyhock culture before committing to a larger purchase. At a low entry point, you can see how your soil and climate handle the biennial cycle without filling a whole bed. The seeds are listed as a mixed perennial variety.

Because this is a generic listing with limited product detail, you cannot confirm the specific color range or bloom form. There is no germination guarantee and no grow guide included. Expect a random mix of colors and heights. If you land a good dark burgundy seedling, you can save seeds for future crops.

The major downside: 50 seeds will barely cover a few feet of fence line, so you will need to reorder if you want a dramatic cottage border. It works as a trial run, but serious Creme De Cassis fans should move to a larger, more color-specific pack.

What works

  • Very low-cost sampler for first-time growers
  • Small footprint for test patches or pots

What doesn’t

  • Only 50 seeds — insufficient for border coverage
  • No guaranteed color specificity or bloom type

Hardware & Specs Guide

Bloom Form – Single vs. Double

Single-flower hollyhocks have five broad petals that form an open face, making them extremely accessible to pollinators and ideal for naturalized prairie settings. Double-flower varieties, like Chater’s Double, produce multiple layers of ruffled petals that resemble small roses, offering a dramatic vertical texture. The Creme De Cassis name is most often associated with double blooms that expose a deep wine-black inner layer.

Seed Count & Coverage

Seed count per pouch directly scales with the square footage you can fill. A 50-seed test pack covers a few feet of fence. A 2,400-seed double pack can fill a medium border. The 10,000-seed bulk bags from premium brands cover up to 500 square feet. Always check the seed density recommended for your spacing: hollyhocks need about 18 inches between plants for proper air circulation and spike height.

FAQ

Will Creme De Cassis hollyhocks bloom true to the dark wine color from a mixed pack?
Not always. Mixed-color pouches often include pink, salmon, peach, and white seeds alongside the dark burgundy. To maximize the cassis shade, look for a listing that specifies a monochrome dark mix or a named variety packed separately. The best results come from seed houses that guarantee color fidelity on the packet.
How long does it take for hollyhock seeds to flower after planting?
Hollyhocks are biennials. In their first year, they produce a low rosette of leaves. In the second year, they bolt into tall flower spikes. Some varieties may bloom in the first year if started indoors very early, but the classic cottage garden timeline expects blooms by the second summer.
What spacing should I use for double-flower hollyhock seeds?
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in well-draining soil. Closer spacing (12-14 inches) can produce denser spikes but reduces airflow, which can increase the risk of rust disease. Double blooms benefit from light staking in windy zones because their heavier flowers weigh the stems down.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

For most gardeners, the hollyhock creme de cassis winner is the HOME GROWN Chaters Double Mix because it delivers the extra-double fluffy blooms and a broad, reliable color palette that includes deep wine shades. If you want maximum coverage per dollar with a germination guarantee, grab the SWEET YARDS Single Mixed. And for an entry-level test patch, nothing beats the Generic 50 Blue Bacopa packet.