Stock flowers, which are also called stock, are pretty plants for a cottage garden. They come in many colors and have a light scent that many people associate with heirloom flowers. Some say that Thomas Jefferson brought them to his gardens at Monticello in 1771 from abroad, making them the first plants grown in the United States.
Many different types of the original native species have been grown and crossed, so it now comes in a lot of different colors, from pretty pastel pink and apricot to bright red and purple. Some varieties grow up to 3 feet tall, though most are between 12 and 24 inches. The flowers on the spiky stems can be close together or spread out a bit. Sometimes they look like double blooms. The leaves are narrow and oval. Stock flowers do best in full sun to part shade and in rich, evenly moist soil. They also like cooler weather—blooming stops when temperatures rise above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stock flowers (Matthiola incana) are beloved for their captivating fragrance and beautiful blooms. Also known as gillyflower, these cool-season annuals come in a range of colors like pink, purple, white, yellow, peach, red and more. Stock makes an excellent cutflower and can be used in bouquets, arrangements and gardens.
Growing stock from seed is easy and rewarding. Follow this complete guide for tips on sowing, planting, care and harvest to enjoy vibrant stock flowers in your garden
When to Plant Stock Seeds
Stock thrives in cool weather and appreciates temperatures between 60-70°F. It performs best in early spring and fall.
Spring – Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Move seedlings outside after hardening off.
Summer – Direct sow in mid to late summer for fall blooms. Provide shade if temperatures rise.
Fall – Sow seeds in late summer to early fall. Stock can withstand light frosts.
How to Direct Sow Stock Seeds
You can sow stock seeds directly in the garden for a quick and easy approach Follow these tips
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Choose a site with full sun and fertile, well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.
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Prepare your sowing bed by loosening soil and raking smooth Remove any debris
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Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows 12-15 inches apart. Space seeds 6 inches apart.
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Cover seeds lightly with soil and water gently to avoid washing away.
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Keep soil moist until seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to final spacing.
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Add row cover to protect from flea beetles and provide extra warmth in spring and fall.
Starting Stock Indoors from Seed
For an earlier start, begin stock seeds indoors:
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Sow seeds in premium seed starting mix 1/4 inch deep, 6 weeks before transplanting.
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Keep soil moist and provide temperatures of 65-70°F for best germination.
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Once sprouted, move to full sunlight and grow on at 60-65°F during the day and 50-55°F at night.
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Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost.
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Space transplants 12 inches apart in rows 15 inches apart. Water in well.
How to Care for Stock Plants
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Pinch back tips of young plants to promote bushy, sturdy growth. Don’t pinch after transplant.
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Install supports like trellising early before plants stretch and fall over.
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Water stock regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Increase watering in hot weather.
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Apply liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth and blooming.
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Monitor for aphids, slugs, snails and flea beetles. Control with organic methods as needed.
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Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Cut back any leggy growth midseason.
Harvesting Stock Flowers
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Snip stock stems when flowers on the lower half of the spike are open.
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Make cuts above a set of leaves to encourage more blooms.
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Harvest in the morning after dew dries for best vase life.
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Condition in cool water before arranging. Recut stems and change water daily.
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Stock flowers typically last 5-7 days in a vase.
Enjoy months of fragrant stock blooms in the garden and as cut flowers by starting with high-quality seeds from a reputable source. With proper sowing, care and harvest, stock is easy and rewarding to add to any cool season garden.
Gray Mold
Gray mold can affect plants where there’s poor air circulation and humid, cool weather. Remove diseased plants, space out plantings, and water using drip irrigation.
How to Get Stock Flower to Bloom
Stock flowers bloom in the spring and summer months of May through July. In cooler weather, they can also bloom in the fall.
Growing Stock as a Cut Flower : My 2023 Varieties, Collecting Seeds and My Methods! Flower Hill Farm
FAQ
Is stock easy to grow from seed?
How long does it take for stock seeds to germinate?
How do you start a stock seed?
Is stock an annual or perennial?
Can you grow stock from seed?
Stock can be grown easily from seed, but should be sown early as it tends to wilt a bit in late summer heat. Here’s how: Sow seeds 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.
How do you grow stock plants from seeds?
To grow stock plants from seeds, start them indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Press the seeds gently into a tray of rich, well-draining, neutral soil and lightly sprinkle more soil on top (the seeds will need light to germinate).
How do you grow stock?
The best way to grow stock is by sowing seeds or planting seedlings. At the end of the flowering season, leave one or two stems of flowers to go to seed so that you can collect them for the next season. Long, narrow seed capsules will form along the stem and will turn from green to brown to indicate that they are ready for harvesting.
How do you grow stock flowers?
Beds, borders, and containers. How to grow stock flowers: sowing, germination, chilling and selecting for double-flowered plants, light and soil needs, trellising, spacing, and harvesting.
