Advise for hollyhock needed?

Last year i sowed hollyhock from seed. They lasted the summer just leaves and in autumn they wilted down. I tried again this year and leaves are ok. About 1foot high. But what do i do with them over winter. Bring indoors or leave outside. I know they dont flower til 2nd year but i cant get them to last til then. Always die on me after 6months. Whats going wrong