How to Grow Stock
Matthiola incana
Stocks are fragrant, cool-season annuals from the Brassica family, prized for their spicy-sweet clove scent and dense flower spikes. Sow indoors in late winter for spring planting out after the last hard frosts. They prefer full sun, well-drained slightly alkaline soil, and cool temperatures. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering. Excellent cut flowers lasting 7-10 days in the vase. Avoid hot, humid positions where grey mould thrives.
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 8°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light balanced feed every 2-3 weeks once established. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which produce foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Fragrant cottage garden favourite from the Brassica family. Prefers cool conditions and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Excellent cut flower with a spicy-sweet clove scent. Dislikes heat and humidity.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 8°C+
- Germination temperature
- 15–20°C
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 35 cm |
| Sow depth | 0.3 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Space 25-30 cm apart for good air circulation. Closer spacing (20 cm) encourages taller stems for cutting.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 8°C |
| Germination temperature | 15–20°C |
| Base growth temperature | 5°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 10h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Stock?
- Plant Stock 30cm apart with 35cm between rows.
- When does Stock flower?
- Stock typically flowers approximately 70 days after transplanting.
- Is Stock frost hardy?
- Stock is classified as Half Hardy.
