Night-scented stock, sometimes called evening stock, is a hardy annual plant that adds old-fashioned beauty and a lovely scent to a flower border in a casual or cottage garden. It has thin, gray-green stems with long, narrow leaves that hold simple four-petaled flowers in white, lilac, or pink. The flowers give off a strong, sweet scent in the late evening, which makes them very appealing to moths that fly at night. Also, you can cut them and put them in flower arrangements inside. They look good in a border or in pots. If you want to eat the flowers of night-scented stock or the related stock flower (Matthiola incana), you can do so.
As daylight fades the intoxicating perfume of the matthiola bicornis night scented stock drifts through the garden. Also known as evening scented stock or night scented gillyflower, this old-fashioned annual creates clouds of fragrance from its modest white pink, or lavender blooms. Read on for tips on growing, caring for, and enjoying this Victorian favorite.
An Overview of Matthiola Bicornis
Matthiola bicornis is a hardy annual in the Brassicaceae family native to southern Europe Its common names come from its behavior of opening its flowers and releasing scent as evening approaches
Key features include:
- White, pink, or lavender four-petaled flowers
- Medium green lance-shaped leaves on slender stems
- Intoxicating sweet fragrance at dusk
- Blooms late spring through summer
- Grows 1-2 feet tall and wide
- Thrives in full sun to part shade
- Easy to grow from seed
This vintage garden plant has graced English cottage gardens for centuries. Its old-fashioned charm and evening perfume make it a must for any scent-filled flower bed
Growing Matthiola Bicornis from Seed
One of the easiest ways to add this enticing fragrance to your garden is growing matthiola bicornis from seed.
When to Plant
You can sow night scented stock directly in the garden early in the cool season, even before the last frost. It germinates best in cooler soil temperatures.
In mild winter climates, start seeds in late fall. Elsewhere, begin sowing seeds in late winter or early spring. Make successive plantings every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply of blooms.
Where to Plant
Select a site with full sun to part shade and fertile, well-drained soil. Turn the soil to remove weeds and rocks before planting. Night scented stock thrives along borders and pathways where its evening fragrance can be enjoyed.
How to Plant
Sow seeds directly where they are to grow. Night scented stock doesn’t transplant well once started.
Scatter seeds across prepared soil, or sow in rows. Cover very lightly with 1/4 inch of fine soil or compost. Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid washing away seeds.
Germination
Seeds will sprout in 10-20 days in spring. Germination may take a bit longer in fall or winter. Thin seedlings 8-12 inches apart.
How to Grow and Care for Night Scented Stock
Night scented stock is one of the easiest annuals to grow. A little basic care will keep your plants healthy and fragrant.
Sun and Temperature
Night scented stock thrives in full sun to partial shade. Daytime temperatures of 65-75°F are ideal. Plants can withstand summer heat and humidity.
Watering
Provide consistent moisture, especially for young plants, to aid germination and establishment. Mature plants are somewhat drought tolerant but flower best with weekly watering.
Soil
Rich, well-draining soil amended with compost gives the best results. Avoid wet, poorly draining sites prone to standing water.
Fertilizer
Work compost or organic granular fertilizer into the soil before planting. You can also side dress with compost or use liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Spacing
Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart to allow air circulation and prevent mildew. Planting companions like poppies can provide natural structural support.
How to Grow Night Scented Stock in Containers
The sweet fragrance of night scented stock also makes it a wonderful addition to container gardens and window boxes. Plant it with violas, petunias, oralyssum for color and daytime fragrance.
Use a quality multi-purpose potting mix and allow 6-10 inches between plants. Add slow-release fertilizer beads to the soil before planting. Water whenever the soil surface becomes dry. Move containers to a sheltered spot for winter.
Tips for Maximizing Blooms
Here are some useful tips for keeping your night scented stock flowering profusely:
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming.
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Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizer which produces foliage over flowers.
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Prevent mildew by providing good airflow and avoiding overhead watering.
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Make successive sowings for continuous blooms all season long.
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Grow in drifts or groupings of 3-5 plants for better fragrance impact.
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Combine with sweet alyssum, cornflowers, violas, and other annuals.
Harvesting Seeds for Next Year
If you want more night scented stock plants, allow some flowers to go to seed. Once the seed pods dry out completely, collect them, extract the seeds, and store in a cool, dry place. In next year’s garden, sow the seeds to propagate your favorite fragrances.
Potential Pests and Disease Problems
Night scented stock is relatively trouble-free. Potential issues include:
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Slugs and snails – Remove hides and use iron phosphate bait. Hand pick at night.
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Aphids – Dislodge with blasts of water or use insecticidal soap spray.
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Downy Mildew – Improve airflow. Avoid wetting foliage. Apply fungicides if severe.
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Damping off – Allow soil to dry out between watering young seedlings. Space properly.
Signature Sweetness for Moonlit Gardens
As days stretch into summer nights, the seductive scent of matthiola bicornis drifting on the evening breeze creates magical moments in the garden. This old-fashioned annual is easy to grow from seed and requires minimal care while filling your yard with nostalgia. For gardens with timeless romance and charm, a few plants of this Victorian darling are a must.
How to propagate night-scented stock
As the flowers fade and fall, seedpods will form. Let them ripen, allowing them to dry out before you harvest them. To make sure you don’t forget what they are, take the seeds out of the pods and put them in a small envelope or twist of paper. Then plant them as you did before.
How to prune night-scented stock
No pruning is required. In autumn remove the remains of the plants and feed them to your compost heap.
Slugs and snails may damage young plants. Otherwise night-scented stock is problem free.
