Matthiola incana (Stock Flower)

What is Matthiola incana (Stock Flower)?

Matthiola incana, commonly known as stock flower or hoary stock, is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other well-known plants like mustard, cabbage, and kale.

Description: Matthiola incana has a compact growth habit, with lance-shaped, grayish-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a slightly fuzzy or “hoary” appearance. Its flowers come in various colors and are prized for their strong, sweet fragrance.

Growth habit: This biennial or short-lived perennial plant has an upright growth habit and typically grows in clumps or clusters.

Size: Matthiola incana reaches a height of 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm) and a width of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm).

Flowers: The plant produces clusters of single or double flowers in a variety of colors, including white, pink, lavender, purple, and red. The flowers are a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.

Blooming season: Matthiola incana blooms from late spring to mid-summer, with the flowering season lasting about 4 to 6 weeks.

Hardiness: It is a biennial or short-lived perennial, usually grown as an annual in most climates. It can tolerate frost but is not suitable for hot, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.

Uses: Matthiola incana is commonly used in gardens for its colorful, fragrant flowers. It is an excellent choice for borders, cutting gardens, cottage gardens, or container plantings. The strong, sweet fragrance of the flowers also makes it a popular plant for sensory gardens and planting near windows or outdoor seating areas where the scent can be enjoyed.

Toxicity: While not considered highly toxic, Matthiola incana may cause mild skin irritation in some individuals when handled. It’s a good practice to avoid ingesting any plant material that is not specifically known to be safe for consumption.

Deer and rabbit resistance: Deer and rabbits are less likely to be attracted to Matthiola incana due to its somewhat bitter taste, which can make it a suitable choice for gardens where these animals are a concern.

What is Special about the Stock Flower?

The Stock flower is special for several reasons, mainly due to its ornamental and fragrant qualities. Here are some of the features that make the Stock flower stand out:

Fragrance: Stock flowers are highly valued for their sweet, spicy, and clove-like scent, which can fill the air in gardens or floral arrangements.

Ornamental value: Stock flowers are popular in gardens and as cut flowers due to their showy, dense clusters of blooms.

Long bloom period: Stock flowers have a relatively long blooming period, typically lasting from spring through early summer. Some varieties may even continue to bloom into fall under the right conditions.

Attracts pollinators: The sweet fragrance and colorful blooms of Stock flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.

Easy to grow: Stock flowers are fairly low-maintenance and can be grown from seeds or transplants. They tolerate a range of soil types and prefer full sun to light shade.

When to Plant Stock Flowers?

Timing: The best time to plant Stock flower seeds is in early spring after the last frost has passed. However, if you live in a mild climate, you can also plant Stock flowers in the fall for blooms the following spring.

Indoor sowing: If you have a shorter growing season or want to get a head start on the blooming period, you can start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.

Where to Plant the Stock Flower?

Sunlight: Stock flowers prefer full sun to light shade. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and blooming.

Soil: Plant Stock flowers in well-draining, fertile soil. They can tolerate a range of soil types but prefer a slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 7.5.

Space: Stock flowers can grow up to 12-30 inches (30-76 cm) tall and spread about 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Space plants approximately 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

How to Plant Stock Flowers?

Planting Stock flowers involves choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and sowing the seeds or transplanting seedlings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plant Stock flowers:

Choose a location: Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Stock flowers can tolerate light shade, but they will produce more blooms in full sun.

Prepare the soil: Stock flowers prefer well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline pH between 7.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and drainage. If your soil is acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH.

Sowing seeds:

• Direct sowing: After the last frost has passed, sow seeds directly in the prepared soil. Plant the seeds about 1/8 inch (3mm) deep and space them 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite, as they need darkness to germinate.
• Indoor sowing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds in seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Press seeds lightly into the soil and cover them with a fine layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep the trays in a warm place (around 70°F or 21°C) and maintain consistent moisture. Germination should occur within 10-14 days.

Transplanting seedlings:

Harden off: Gradually acclimate the indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the time spent outdoors over a week or two.

Transplant: Once the risk of frost has passed and seedlings have been hardened off, transplant them to the prepared garden bed, spacing them 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Gently remove the seedlings from their containers, taking care not to damage their roots, and plant them at the same depth they were growing in their pots.

Watering: After transplanting, water the seedlings well to help them establish in their new environment. Continue to water regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Care

Caring for Matthiola incana, also known as Stock flowers, involves providing the right growing conditions, regular watering, and proper maintenance. Here are some steps to ensure your Stock flowers thrive:

Watering: Water your Stock flowers regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooms. Alternatively, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer according to the package instructions.

Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and maintain the plant’s neat appearance. Regular deadheading can also help prevent diseases and pests.

Staking: Taller varieties of Stock flowers may require staking to provide support and prevent the plants from falling over due to heavy blooms or strong winds.

Disease and pest control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and diseases such as powdery mildew or gray mold (botrytis). Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and use fungicides for diseases if necessary. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Pruning: In late winter or early spring, prune back dead or damaged foliage to promote new growth and maintain a compact, bushy shape.

Overwintering: In colder climates, Stock flowers are typically grown as annuals, and they might not survive harsh winter conditions. However, if you want to try overwintering your Stock flowers, take the following steps:

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, leaves, or wood chips, around the base of the plants to help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.

Protection: In areas with particularly cold winters, you can provide extra protection by covering the plants with frost cloth or creating a temporary cold frame around them.

Indoor option: If you have potted Stock flowers, you can move them indoors to a cool, well-lit area during the winter months. Be sure to acclimate them to indoor conditions gradually, and keep an eye on their watering needs.

Remember that Stock flowers are often grown as annuals or biennials, so if they don’t survive the winter, you can always plant new seeds or seedlings the following spring.