Alcea rosea Tall, upright, drought-tolerant, Mediterranean perennial. Stunning dark crimson to black-purple edible flowers on 2-3m spires. Great insect and humming bird attractor. Blooms July to October. Sowing depth: For tiny seed cover very lightly, otherwise sow no deeper than 204 times the seed diameter. Direct seed to garden, early spring. Cool start in flats, early spring.