Stock Growing Guide
Matthiola incana
![Stock]()
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Well-drained soil of good fertility.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Good. Where winters are mild, well-rooted plants survive one winter and bloom heavily the following spring.
Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. In late spring, drench plants with a liquid fertiliser just before they come into bloom.
Companions
Stock is grown for its fragrance, so it is a good plant for containers or outdoor sitting areas.
Spacing
Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Sow stock seeds in midsummer to have seedlings to set out in early autumn, or sow indoors in late winter and set plants out at about the time of your last spring frost.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
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. Colours include white and many shades of pink.
Harvesting
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.
Troubleshooting
Stock is not tolerant of hard freezes or humid heat. Fragrant stock grows best in cooler areas.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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