
- Sow stock indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow ¼ inch deep in seed-starting formula.
- Keep the soil moist at 60-65 degrees F.
- Seedlings emerge in 10-20 days.
- Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
When to plant stock flowers?
The particular range of colours (from white, red, rose, purple, lavender and pink) that stocks can provide, combined with their beautiful scent, has made these flowers a classic of cool-season gardening. They can be grown as of late winter and early spring. Originally, stock flowers grew in the Mediterranean coastal region. When to plant stocks?
Where should I plant my stocks?
You should plant your stocks where they will be positioned in full sun (though not high temperatures), in moist, freely draining soil. Plant them in a location where the scent will reach you in the garden.
How long does it take to grow stock plants?
Growing stock is not a complicated project, but it does require a period of cold. The duration of cold needed as a part of stock plant care is two weeks for early blooming types and 3 weeks or more for late varieties.
When should I start my stock seeds indoors?
Start your stock seeds indoors up to eight weeks before the last average frost date. A week or two before that date, start to acclimate your seedlings to the outdoors by setting them outside in the sun for a few hours each day. Stock needs to experience temperatures below below 60°F to set buds, so a little chill is a good thing.

When should you plant out Stock?
Stock can be grown easily from seed, but should be sown early as it tends to wilt a bit in late summer heat. Sow them in rich neutral soil, barely covering with 1/8 of soil. Maintain good moisture by spraying but don't oversaturate soil. Seedlings should appear within 10-14 days.
When can I plant stocks outside UK?
When to plant stocks? Stock plug plants should be planted out between late August and mid-September. Remember to grow on plants undercover until they reach 8 to 10 cm in height at which point they're ready to plant out. To plant from seed, sow out in the autumn if the soil is not at risk of freezing.
Is Stock an annual or perennial?
annualStock flower info says the plant is an annual, grown from seed to fill those bare spots among other blooms in the spring to a summer garden. Other info says stock flowers can be biennial. In areas without freezing winters, stock flower info says it may even perform as a perennial.
Does Stock plant come back every year?
In warmer climates, stock is considered a perennial, as the hardy plants can survive for several years, coming back with sturdier, woodier stems each year, until the summer heat eventually takes its toll.
Is stock a hardy annual?
Stock has a shorter bloom time than many other annuals, but it does quite well when handled as a hardy annual in cool maritime climates. Colors include white and many shades of pink.
How cold can stock tolerate?
incana is a cool-weather plant that blooms from early spring into summer. For buds to set, the temperature must be below 60°F. Plants require full sun to light shade, and average to rich soil that drains well.
Can Stocks survive frost?
Stock is not tolerant of hard freezes or humid heat. Fragrant stock grows best in cooler areas.
Can you direct sow stock?
Stock seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, or seeded indoors for transplanting later. Sow Stock seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8″ of fine garden or potting soil. Water thoroughly when planting. Keep the soil moist.
Are stock flowers easy to grow?
Growing Tips Stock requires cool temperatures to flower and will not form new blooms when temperatures rise above 65 degrees F. Tall cultivars may need staking, although the stems are generally strong. Stock is useful for beds, borders, and containers, but is best grown for cutting and for its exquisite fragrance.
Do slugs eat Stocks?
Don't grow plants that snails and slugs love to eat. Slugs and snails are usually selective, and there are some flowers and vegetables that they simply can't resist eating....Slug Control with copper for raised beds, planters & pots:Offer on AmazonOffer on AmazonOffers on eBayOffers on eBay2 more rows•Jul 2, 2018
How tall does stock get?
1 to 3 feetStockgenus nameMatthiolalightSun Part Sunplant typeAnnualheight1 to 3 feetwidth1-2 feet wide5 more rows
When should you pinch a stock?
Pinch plants every few weeks to keep them in bloom as long as possible. Gather blossoms to use as cut flowers just as they open.
When do stock plants bloom?
When growing stock plants, expect flowers to start blooming in spring and last through late summer, depending on your USDA hardiness zone. These fragrant blooms may take a break during the hottest days of summer.
How to care for stock flowers?
Caring for stock plants includes growing them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and deadhead spent blooms. Grow this plant in a protected area in colder areas and mulch to protect roots in winter.
What is stock flower?
Stock flower info indicates there is a type of plant that’s actually named stock flower (commonly called Gillyflower) and botanically called Matthiola incana. Highly fragrant and attractive, you might wonder ...
Can cold temperatures damage stock plants?
Colder temperatures may damage the roots. If you neglect this aspect of caring for stock plants, blooms will be sparse or possibly nonexistent. You may wish to purchase seedlings that have already had cold treatment if you live in an area without cooler winters.
Is stock flower a perennial or annual?
Stock flower info says the plant is an annual, grown from seed to fill those bare spots among other blooms in the spring to a summer garden. Other info says stock flowers can be biennial. In areas without freezing winters, stock flower info says it may even perform as a perennial.
When to transplant seedlings to garden?
In both cool and warm regions, you can purchase nursery seedlings to transplant to the garden or containers as soon as they are available in early spring. Plant at the same depth the seedlings are in their nursery pots. And if you’re container gardening, remember to accommodate the mature dimensions.
How to acclimate a seedling to the outdoors?
After the danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimate the seedlings to the outdoors for a few hours a day, and then transplant them to the garden or containers. Place the seed starter cells level with the garden soil, to maintain the same planting depth.
How long does it take for a M. incana to sprout?
Place the cells in a sunny room with a temperature between 65 and 75°F. The seeds should sprout within two weeks. There are varieties of M. incana that have been bred to have a shorter growing season ranging from seven to 10 weeks – hence the nickname, “ten weeks.”.
What is the best pH for a M. incana plant?
For buds to set, the temperature must be below 60°F. Plants require full sun to light shade, and average to rich soil that drains well. The ideal pH is near neutral, or about 6.8 to 7.5.
What is a biennial plant?
The biennial characteristic refers to the tendency of perennial plants to bloom in the first year and set seed in the second year. Stock is an odd name for a flower. It seems to be a reference to the “stocky” stems of perennial growth, and its use as an early-season garden filler.
When should I plant a sage plant?
Plant it in spring several weeks before your region's last frost date -- this annual thrives in cool temperatures and stops blooming once hot weather arrives. It's especially wonderful in window boxes and planters at nose level, where its sometimes subtle effect can best be appreciated.
When does Nemesia bloom?
In cool-summer areas, such as the Pacific Northwest, nemesia will continue to bloom right through the summer into fall. Nemesia prefers moist, well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.
Do pansies bloom in summer?
By summer, pansies bloom less and their foliage starts to brown. It's at this time that you'll have to be tough and tear them out and replant with warm-season annuals, such as marigolds or petunias. But that's part of their charm -- they are an ephemeral celebration of spring! Sweet Pea Lathyrus.
What are stocks?
Stocks are known for their dense clusters of fragrant blossoms. The particular range of colours (from white, red, rose, purple, lavender and pink) that stocks can provide, combined with their beautiful scent, has made these flowers a classic of cool-season gardening. They can be grown as of late winter and early spring.
When to plant stocks?
Stock plug plants should be planted out between late August and mid-September. Remember to grow on plants undercover until they reach 8 to 10 cm in height at which point they’re ready to plant out.
How and where to plant stocks
You should plant your stocks where they will be positioned in full sun (though not high temperatures), in moist, freely draining soil. Plant them in a location where the scent will reach you in the garden. Stocks look particularly striking as part of a formal arrangement.
How do stocks flower?
Stock flowers grow in thick clusters on the spike-like stems. Taller growth and a greater profusion of flowers can be encouraged by pinching the shoots back. The flowers are also used as cut flowers as their scent and densely packed blooms look wonderful in an arrangement.
How to care for stocks
You should regularly water stocks and a monthly plant feeding are all that is required to care for your stocks. Cuttings can be taken from perennials at the end of the summer – snip off a shoot around 5 cm long, ideally cutting at the point of a leaf node. Nip off any flowers or buds on the shoot, and nip away all but three leaves.
What temperature do stock flowers need to bloom?
These annual flowers come in a range of colors and are usually grown from seed. They require temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) to blossom, and they stop flowering by summer, so you should plant the flowers early in ...
When do bromptons bloom?
Most other stock varieties are fast-growing, though, and blossom within a few weeks of being sown. Thanks!
Can pebbles damage stock flowers?
Smaller pebbles should not cause any damage, but large stones can present obstacles for developing roots, and weeds can compete with your stock flowers for valuable nutrition. ...
T. Colin Campbell, PHD
One of the most distinguished nutrition scientists of the past century, authoring hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and bringing evidence-based nutrition to the public like never before.
Dr. Michael Greger
A New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition, food safety, and public health issues. Dr. Greger is a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and is licensed as a general practitioner specializing in clinical nutrition.
Dr. Michael Klaper
Gifted clinician, internationally-recognized teacher, and sought-after speaker on diet and health. He is a passionate and devoted educator of physicians and other healthcare professionals about the importance of nutrition in clinical practice and integrative medicine.
Robert Cheeke
Often referred to as the “Godfather of Vegan Bodybuilding,” growing the industry from infancy in 2002, to where it is today. As a two-time natural bodybuilding champion, Robert is considered one of VegNews magazine's Most Influential Vegan Athletes.
Dr. Gemma Newman
Dr Newman has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant based nutrition and lifestyle medicine.
Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn
Pioneer of the movement, author of Prevent & Reverse Heart Disease, he shares his life’s work and provides private consultations.
Dr. Kristi Funk
Board-certified breast cancer surgeon & physician, bestselling author, international keynote speaker and women’s health advocate
What temperature does stock need to bloom?
Stock requires cool temperatures to flower and will not form new blooms when temperatures rise above 65 degrees F. Tall cultivars may need staking, although the stems are generally strong. Stock is useful for beds, borders, and containers, but is best grown for cutting and for its exquisite fragrance.
How to prepare a garden for frost?
Plant in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Select a location in full sun in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Most plants respond well to soils amended with organic matter.
Why do you mulch annuals?
Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
How long does it take for a sage plant to grow?
Seedlings emerge in 10-20 days. Firm lightly and keep evenly moist. As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller.
What is compost in gardening?
Compost is a wonderful form of organic matter with a good balance of nutrients and an ideal pH level, it can be added to your planting area at any time. If compost is not available, top dress the soil after planting with 1-2 inches of organic mulch, which will begin to breakdown into compost.
How to make a root ball for a plant?
Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball. Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand leaving a slight depression around the plant to hold water.
How to keep weeds under control?
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures.
How to grow night scented stock?
One tip for growing night scented stock is to stagger the seeds so the bloom period will be extended. Prepare a bed in a sunny location by tilling at least 8 inches (20 cm.) down into soil and ensure that the area is well draining. If it isn’t, incorporate sand or some compost to enhance percolation. Either is fine, as night scented stock plants ...
How to keep evening stock from getting soggy?
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. The biggest pests for evening stock are aphids, which can be fought with bursts of water and horticultural soap or neem oil. Remove the spent blooms to promote more flowers. If you wish to harvest seed for the next season, allow flowers to persist until they form seed pods.
What is a night scented stock plant?
Night scented stock plant is one such gentle annual denizen. The flowers are a sweet wonder in faded tones that seem like they stepped out of another century. However, it is the aroma of these blooms that is the real attraction. You just have to stay outdoors into the evening hours to enjoy it.
What is night stock?
Also known as evening stock plants, night scented stock is an old-fashioned annual that reaches its peak fragrance at twilight. The flowers have a blowy elegance in faded pastel hues and make excellent cut flowers. Best of all, evening stock plants are easy to grow and thrive in a wide range of soil situations provided they are in full sun.
