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