Stock, also known as Matthiola incana, is a fragrant flowering plant that graces gardens with its tall spikes of clustered, clove-scented blossoms. These colourful flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and red, adding a delightful aroma and visual appeal to your garden. Stock is a wonderful choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and a lovely fragrance in their outdoor spaces.
Planting Calendar
Stocks are best planted in the cooler months of the year.
Harvest In
Picking flowers for floral work.
Stock flowers are best harvested in the morning or evening when the weather is cooler. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and immediately place them in water to maximize their vase life.
Prepare
Stock are a popular annual or biennial flowering plant known for their fragrant blooms. They are widely grown for cut flowers and are well-suited for use in cottage, picking, or fragrant gardens where they can be planted on mass, dwarf varieties can be used as a boarder. They make a lovely show when planted in a pot on the patio or deck where you can enjoy their delightful fragrance.
Position
Stock do best when planted in full sun to light shade.
Soil
When planted into the ground Stock prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Pollination
Bees are drawn to stock flowers.
Plant
Plant stock flower seeds directly in the garden bed, about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds 6-8 inches apart. Water the seeds gently to avoid disturbing them. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-14 days. Or you can buy punnets and plant directly into well prepared soil. When planting into the ground, ensure the plants is well watered then, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Stock flowers need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases.
Feeding
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Spraying
Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Use organic or chemical controls as needed. Powdery mildew can be a problem, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering.
Pruning
Depending on the variety, stock flowers can grow tall and might require staking to prevent them from falling over. Use bamboo stakes or other supports. Pinch back the tips of young plants to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Stock plant?
Stock (Matthiola incana) is a flowering plant known for its fragrant, colourful blooms. It’s popular in gardens and as a cut flower.
When should I plant Stock?
Plant Stock in early spring for spring and summer blooms, or in autumn for winter and spring flowers. They thrive in cool weather.
How often should I water Stock?
Stock flowers need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases.
Do I need to fertilise Stock plants?
For strong healthy roots and plants, apply monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health.
Are Stock plants prone to any pests or diseases?
Stock plants can be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, and fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with organic insecticides or fungicides can help.