How to Grow Stock (Matthiola incana) - A Guide for Florists and Gardeners
Stock (Matthiola incana) is a fragrant, versatile annual flower perfect for bouquets, beds, borders, and containers. Known for its tall stems and lush, double blooms, Stock is a favorite among gardeners and florists. With proper care and cultivation techniques, you can enjoy high-quality blooms that add elegance to any arrangement.
Key Features:
- Scientific Name: Matthiola incana
- Height: 61–71 cm
- Bloom Type: Single and double flowers
- Uses: Excellent for fragrant cut flowers, edible flowers, beds, borders, and containers
- Lifespan: Annual
Germination Instructions
- Days to Germination: 7–14 days
- Optimal Temperature: 18–24°C
- Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 0.6 cm deep. Cover lightly with soil.
Sowing Methods
Transplanting (Recommended):- Sow in 128-cell plug flats 5–6 weeks before transplanting outdoors or in soil block.
- Use well-drained, moderately rich soil.
- Transplant when plants have 4–6 true leaves.
Direct Sowing:
- Sow directly in the field after the last frost.
- Space plants 4–6 inches apart.
- Do not pinch plants; Stock develops a single flowering stem.
Succession Planting:
- Sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Spring and fall successions provide optimal bloom quality.
Selection for Double Flowers
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Why Select for Doubles?
Double flowers are highly desirable for their lush appearance and increased value for floral arrangements. -
How to Select:
- Expose seedlings to a chilling period of 4–7°C for 3–4 days at the cotyledon stage.
- After the cold treatment, observe the cotyledons:
- Light green, oval leaves: Double-flowering plants
- Dark green, round leaves: Single-flowering plants
- Remove seedlings with darker leaves to focus on double blooms.
Growing Requirements
- Light: Full sun
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Temperature:
- Optimal growth at 35–50°F (2–10°C) after transplanting.
- Cooler conditions result in higher-quality flowers.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with consistent moisture.
- Fertilizer: High fertility levels are crucial for healthy growth and blooms. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
Care Tips
- Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture. Stock plants are sensitive to drought and will not recover from stress.
- Support: Use a horizontal trellis (e.g., Hortonova) in areas with high temperatures or frequent rain to prevent lodging.
- Harvesting: Harvest when ⅓–½ of the florets on the stem are open for optimal vase life.
Best Varieties of Stock
- Iron Series: Known for sturdy stems and large double blooms in a range of colors.
- Katz Series: Early flowering, available in various shades, ideal for spring blooms.
- Mathilda Series: Fragrant and lush, perfect for cutting gardens.
Ideal Conditions for Stock
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable as an annual.
- Vase Life: 5–10 days in water.
- Storage Temperature: Store harvested stems at 2–5°C.
Stock is a rewarding crop for gardeners and florists, offering stunning blooms with proper care. Add Stock seeds to your garden today and enjoy a season filled with fragrance and beauty!
