How to Grow Stock Plants

Annual, Matthiola Incana

Take stock of the flowers in your yard. Stock flowers are one you should have in your inventory of attractive, sweet smelling flowering plants. Stock flowers have a spicy, sweet fragrance. This native of Europe and Asia Minor, produces an abundance of flowers on long stems. But, they will only do so in cooler weather.

Stock is an easy to grow annual. Stock plants grow two to two and a half feet tall. The flowers make good cut flowers for indoor arrangements. A dwarf variety, growing just 8" - 12" tall, is also available. In addition to being fragrant, the flowers are attractive in a range of bright colors. The colors include: White, red, pink, purple, crimson, yellow, and lavender.

These plants will look great filling in your flowerbed, or as a border edging. The taller varieties should go towards the back of the flower garden. Place dwarf varieties up front. Try them in containers, too. Or, the dwarf varieties will look and smell good in a windowsill planter.

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Plant Propagation:

Stock plants are grown from seeds. 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 most.

Transplant Stock into your garden after the last frost date for your area. Space them seven to twelve inches apart. They will tolerate a little crowding.

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How to Grow Stock Plants:

Stock likes full sun. They will tolerate a light shade. Plants prefer rich, loose soil that drains well. Add a general purpose fertilizer when planting them, then once a month after that.

Once your Stock plants are established, they should grow well with few problems. Keep the soil moist to slightly dry. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Keep them well weeded, or apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for a tidy appearance.

Stock thrives in cooler weather or climates. They will not form flower buds in temperatures higher than the mid 60s. In warm weather areas, try planting them in the winter for spring blooms.

Stock will survive a light frost. 

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Insect and Disease:

Insect and disease problems are not common. treat with insecticide, repellents, or fungicides, as needed.

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