Stock Flowers, botanically known as Matthiola incana and commonly referred to as Gillyflower, are a delightful addition to any garden.

Known for their fragrant and attractive blooms, these plants can fill bare spots in your garden from spring to summer.

They are annuals or biennials and in areas without freezing winters, they may even perform as perennials.

This guide will provide you with comprehensive instructions on how to grow and care for Stock Flowers, ensuring a healthy and thriving plant.

Annual Vegetative Calendar for Stock Flowers

Stock Flowers (Matthiola incana), known for their fragrant blooms and vibrant colors, are a popular choice for adding beauty and aroma to gardens. Here’s an annual vegetative calendar tailored for Stock Flower care.

Spring

Month	Tasks	Description
March	Sowing	Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Use a well-draining seed starting mix.
	Soil Preparation	Prepare garden beds by incorporating organic matter and ensuring well-draining conditions.
April	Transplanting	Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart.
	Watering	Begin regular watering as temperatures rise, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
May	Fertilization	Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage growth.

Summer

Month	Tasks	Description
June	Mulching	Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool.
July	Deadheading	Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage more flowers and extend the blooming period.
August	Pest & Disease Monitoring	Monitor for pests and diseases, treating any issues promptly to prevent spread.

Fall

Month	Tasks	Description
September	Continued Care	Continue watering and deadheading as needed. Enjoy the blooms until the first frost.
October	Harvest Seeds	If desired, collect seeds from spent flowers for next year’s planting.
November	Cleanup	After the first hard frost, remove and compost dead plant material to keep the area tidy and disease-free.

Winter

Month	Tasks	Description
December	Rest Period	Allow the garden to rest. Plan for next year’s garden and order seeds if needed.
January	Garden Planning	Start planning the garden layout and where to incorporate stock flowers for the upcoming season.
February	Seed Starting Prep	Begin gathering supplies for starting seeds indoors if aiming for an early start and are in a cooler climate.

Caring for stock flowers involves regular maintenance tasks such as watering, fertilizing, and pest management, along with seasonal adjustments in care to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms. By following this vegetative calendar, you can enjoy the delightful fragrance and beauty of stock flowers in your garden from spring through fall.

Adjust planting and care schedules based on your local climate and weather conditions to ensure the best results.

How to Grow Stock Flowers

Growing Stock Flowers involves understanding their specific needs and providing the right conditions.

From choosing the right variety to understanding the optimal growing conditions, each step is crucial to ensure a successful growth.

This section will provide you with a detailed guide on how to grow Stock Flowers.

• Choose the Right Variety: There are several varieties of Stock Flowers, with both single and double blooms. Choose the one that best suits your garden’s aesthetic.
• Prepare the Soil: Stock Flowers thrive in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering.
• Plant the Stock Flowers: You can grow Stock Flowers from seeds to fill those bare spots among other blooms in your garden from spring to summer.
• Care for the Plants: Stock Flowers bloom from spring to summer, offering continuous blooms in the sunny garden when given the right care. Grow this plant in a protected area in colder areas and mulch to protect roots in winter.
• Chilling Requirement: Growing Stock Flowers requires a period of cold. The duration of cold needed is two weeks for early blooming types and 3 weeks or more for late varieties. Temperatures should remain at 50 to 55 F. (10-13 C.) during this timeframe.

Where to Grow Stock Flowers

The location where you choose to grow your Stock Flowers can greatly impact its growth and health.

Stock Flowers are quite adaptable and can thrive in a variety of conditions.

This section will guide you on the best places to grow Stock Flowers.

• In a Sunny Garden: Stock Flowers prefer a sunny garden where they can get plenty of light for blooming.
• In a Garden Bed: If you have a garden bed that’s rich in organic matter, this can be an ideal place to grow Stock Flowers.
• In a Container: Stock Flowers can also be grown in containers, which allows you to control the growing conditions more easily. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• In a Protected Area: In colder areas, grow this plant in a protected area and mulch to protect roots in winter.

Remember, no matter where you choose to grow your Stock Flowers, ensure they have enough water, sunlight, and nutrient-rich soil to thrive.

How to Plant and Care for Stock Flowers

Stock flowers are beautiful cottage garden plants that have been loved for centuries.

These charming flowers come in a range of colors, from delicate pastels to vibrant hues, and they add a touch of elegance and fragrance to any garden or floral arrangement.

How to Plant Stock Flowers

When planting stock flowers, it’s important to choose a suitable location and provide proper care to ensure their healthy growth and abundant blooms.

• Choose a sunny location: Stock flowers thrive in full sun, where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. This helps them develop strong stems and vibrant blooms. However, they can tolerate partial shade, especially in regions with hot summers.
• Prepare the soil: Stock flowers prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds or debris and incorporating compost or well-rotted organic matter. This improves soil fertility, moisture retention, and drainage.
• Sow the seeds: Stock flowers can be grown from seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring, after the last frost date, or start them indoors 6-8 weeks earlier. Follow the seed packet instructions for proper planting depth and spacing. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
• Provide water: Stock flowers require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues.
• Pinch out the growing tip: To promote bushier growth and more flower spikes, pinch out the growing tip of young stock plants in spring when they have developed a few sets of leaves. This encourages lateral branching and leads to a more compact and floriferous plant.
• Deadhead the flowers: To prolong the blooming period, remove faded flowers regularly. This practice, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to produce new blooms and prevents energy from being directed towards seed production. Snip off the spent flowers just above a set of healthy leaves or a bud.
• Mulch the soil: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of stock plants. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Use a layer of mulch about 2-3 inches thick, making sure to keep it a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot.

How to Care for Stock Flowers

Caring for stock flowers involves providing them with proper nutrition, pruning when necessary, and addressing any pest or disease issues that may arise.

• Watering: Stock flowers prefer regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plants to keep the leaves dry.
• Fertilizing: Feed stock flowers with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants and follow the package instructions for application rates. This provides the plants with essential nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Pruning: Pruning stock flowers helps maintain their shape, encourages bushier growth, and prolongs the blooming period. Trim back leggy or spent stems to promote new flower production and prevent the plant from becoming overly dense. Prune the plants after the blooming period, cutting them back by one-third to maintain their overall size and vigor.
• Supporting tall varieties: If you’re growing tall varieties of stock flowers, such as those that reach heights of 2-3 feet, provide support to prevent them from bending or toppling over under the weight of their blooms. Place stakes or a trellis near the plants and gently tie the stems to the support structure using soft plant ties or twine.
• Managing pests and diseases: Monitor stock flowers regularly for common garden pests such as aphids, snails, or caterpillars. If you notice an infestation, use appropriate organic pest control methods, such as handpicking or applying insecticidal soap. Stock flowers are generally resistant to diseases, but they may occasionally encounter issues such as powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure good air circulation around the plants, avoid overcrowding, and practice proper watering techniques to minimize the risk of diseases.
• Harvesting and enjoying the blooms: Stock flowers make excellent cut flowers with a long vase life. Harvest the blooms when the flowers are in their prime, cutting the stems at an angle just above a set of healthy leaves or a bud. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent bacterial growth. Place the freshly cut flowers in a vase filled with clean water and enjoy their fragrant and beautiful presence indoors.

By following these planting and care guidelines, you can cultivate vibrant and fragrant stock flowers in your garden.

Whether you choose to grow them from seeds or seedlings, these charming flowers will add color, fragrance, and beauty to your outdoor space.

Stock Flowers Pruning and Propagation

Stock flowers come in a variety of colors and possess a delicate fragrance, making them a cherished addition to any garden or floral arrangement.

Pruning and propagation are essential aspects of caring for stock flowers to ensure their health, shape, and continued growth.

How to Prune Stock Flowers

Pruning stock flowers helps maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and extend the blooming period.

Here are some steps to follow when pruning stock flowers:

1. Timing: Pruning stock flowers should be done after they finish blooming. Typically, this occurs in late spring or early summer.
2. Remove spent flowers: Deadheading is an important pruning technique for stock flowers. By removing faded flowers regularly, you stimulate the plant to produce new blooms and prevent energy from being directed towards seed production. Trim the spent flowers just above a set of healthy leaves or a bud.
3. Promote bushier growth: To encourage a more compact and floriferous plant, pinch out the growing tip of young stock plants in spring when they have developed a few sets of leaves. This practice redirects the plant’s energy towards lateral branching, resulting in a fuller and more abundant display of flowers.

How to Propagate Stock Flowers

Stock flowers can be propagated through various methods, including seeds and cuttings.

Here’s how you can propagate stock flowers:

• Seeds: Stock flowers can be easily grown from seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the garden bed in early spring, after the last frost date. Follow the seed packet instructions for proper planting depth and spacing. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
• Cuttings: Another way to propagate stock flowers is through cuttings. Select a healthy stock plant and take cuttings from new growth, preferably in the spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it consistently moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into a larger container or the garden.
• Division: Stock flowers can also be propagated through division. This method is suitable for mature plants with multiple stems. Carefully dig up the plant and divide it into sections, ensuring each division has roots attached. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil and water thoroughly.

Propagation allows you to expand your stock flower collection and create new plants that will continue to bring beauty and fragrance to your garden.

By pruning stock flowers appropriately and utilizing propagation techniques, you can maintain the health and appearance of your stock plants while also expanding your garden.

Stock Flowers Pests and Diseases

Stock flowers are beautiful and fragrant plants that can add charm to any garden.

However, like any other plants, they can be susceptible to pests and diseases.

It’s important to be aware of common issues that can affect stock flowers so that you can take appropriate measures to protect your plants and ensure their health and vitality.

Here, we will discuss common pests and diseases that can impact stock flowers and provide tips on how to manage them effectively.

Common Pests and Diseases

Stock flowers may encounter various pests and diseases that can affect their growth and overall well-being.

Here are some of the common issues you may encounter:

• Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can cluster on the leaves and stems of stock flowers, causing stunted growth and distorted foliage. They can also transmit viral diseases. Regularly check the undersides of leaves for aphid infestations and consider using natural predators or insecticidal soap to control their population.
• Cabbage Worms: These caterpillars can feed on the leaves of stock flowers, leaving behind holes and damage. Handpicking the worms and inspecting the undersides of leaves for eggs can help manage their population. You can also use organic insecticides as a preventive measure.
• Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of stock flowers, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the leaves. Regularly inspect the leaves for signs of mite infestation and consider using insecticidal soap or introducing predatory mites to control their population.
• Fungal Diseases: Stock flowers can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can cause leaf discoloration, spotting, and overall decline in plant health. To prevent fungal infections, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overwatering, and remove infected plant material. Fungicidal sprays may be necessary in severe cases.
• Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot in stock flowers. This can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual plant death. Ensure proper soil drainage and watering practices to prevent root rot. If detected, remove affected plants and adjust watering habits.
• Bacterial Diseases: Stock flowers may also be susceptible to bacterial diseases, including bacterial leaf spot. These diseases can cause leaf spots, wilting, and overall decline in plant health. Avoid overhead watering and remove infected plant material to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Snails and Slugs: These mollusks can feed on the leaves and flowers of stock plants, leaving behind chewed foliage and slime trails. Use physical barriers, such as copper tape or diatomaceous earth, to protect your plants from snails and slugs. You can also handpick them or use organic slug and snail baits.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to managing pests and diseases.

Provide your stock flowers with optimal growing conditions, including well-drained soil, proper watering, and adequate sunlight.

Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases, and take prompt action to control any issues that arise.

By being proactive and vigilant, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your stock flowers.

Buying Stock Flowers Seeds

Stock flowers (Matthiola incana) are beautiful and fragrant plants that can add charm to any garden.

If you’re interested in growing stock flowers from seeds, there are several options available for purchasing them.

Here, we will provide advice on buying stock flower seeds and share where you can buy them online.

Advice On Buying Stock Flowers Seeds

When purchasing stock flower seeds, it’s important to consider a few factors to ensure you get the best quality seeds for successful germination and healthy plant growth.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Variety Selection: Stock flowers come in a variety of colors, sizes, and growth habits. Consider your preferences and garden needs when choosing a variety. Look for reputable seed suppliers that offer a wide range of stock flower varieties to choose from.
• Seed Quality: Ensure that the seeds you purchase are of high quality. Look for suppliers that provide detailed information about the seed quality, including germination rates and freshness. It’s advisable to choose fresh seeds with high germination rates for better success.
• Organic or Conventional: Decide whether you prefer organic or conventional stock flower seeds. Organic seeds are produced without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. If organic gardening is important to you, look for suppliers that offer organic stock flower seeds.

Where to Buy Stock Flowers Seeds Online

When it comes to purchasing stock flower seeds online, there are several reputable seed suppliers that offer a wide selection of varieties.

Here are some reliable sources where you can buy stock flower seeds:

• Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Johnny’s Selected Seeds is a well-known seed company that offers a range of stock flower varieties. They provide detailed information about each variety, including growth habits, colors, and cultural requirements. Visit their website for a diverse selection of stock flower seeds.
• Burpee: Burpee is another trusted seed supplier that offers stock flower seeds. They provide a variety of stock flower options, including different colors and sizes. Their website offers detailed descriptions and growing information for each variety.
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds specializes in heirloom and open-pollinated seeds. They offer a selection of stock flower seeds, including unique and rare varieties. Visit their website for a range of stock flower options.
• Eden Brothers: Eden Brothers is a well-known online seed retailer that offers a wide variety of flower seeds, including stock flowers. They have a diverse selection of stock flower varieties to choose from, and their website provides detailed information about each variety.

Remember to check the shipping policies and delivery options when purchasing stock flower seeds online.

It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the supplier’s reputation and customer satisfaction.

By considering these factors and exploring reputable seed suppliers, you can find high-quality stock flower seeds to start your garden and enjoy the beauty and fragrance of these lovely plants.

Buying Stock Flower Plants

If you’re interested in buying stock flower plants, here’s some advice and recommendations on where to find them online.

These delightful plants are available in various cultivars and can be grown as annuals, biennials, or perennials, depending on the region.

Advice On Buying Stock Flower Plants

When purchasing stock flower plants, it’s essential to consider the following tips:

• Plant Type: Determine the type of stock flower plant you want to grow. Stock flowers can be annuals, biennials, or perennials. Annual varieties complete their life cycle in one year, while biennials flower in their second year and perennials return year after year.
• Varieties and Colors: Explore the different varieties and colors available. Stock flowers come in a wide range of shades, including white, pink, lavender, purple, red, and more. Choose the colors that appeal to you and complement your garden design.
• Fragrance: Consider the fragrance of stock flowers. These plants have a sweet and spicy scent reminiscent of cloves. If you enjoy fragrant blooms, select varieties known for their delightful perfume.

Where to Buy Stock Flower Plants Online

Here are some reputable online sources where you can buy stock flower plants:

• Johnny’s Selected Seeds: Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers a variety of stock flower seeds, including Matthiola incana cultivars. Their website provides detailed information on each variety, such as flower color, height, and special features.
• Thompson & Morgan: Thompson & Morgan offers stock flower plants, specifically their “Most Scented Mix.” These plants have tall, sturdy stems and emit a spicy, clove-like fragrance. The website also provides care instructions and gardening tips.
• Suttons: Suttons offers high-quality stock plants, including classic Brompton stocks and night-scented stocks. Brompton stocks have dense spikes of double flowers in soft and romantic shades of pink, purple, and white. Night-scented stocks have delicate lilac flowers with an enchanting fragrance.
• Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Check your local nurseries and garden centers for stock flower plants. They may carry a variety of stock plants suited to your region and climate.
• Online Marketplaces: Explore online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, where independent sellers may offer stock flower plants. Ensure the seller has positive reviews and provides detailed information about the plants they offer.

Remember to consider factors such as shipping availability, plant quality, and customer reviews when choosing where to buy stock flower plants online.

With these tips and online sources, you can find beautiful stock flower plants to add charm, fragrance, and vibrant colors to your garden.

Stock Flowers Varieties

When it comes to varieties, Matthiola incana offers an array of options in terms of colors.

You can find stock flowers in shades of apricot, lavender, pink, purple, red, white, yellow, and bicolor.

There are many hybrid series available, allowing you to choose from a diverse selection.

The plant dimensions of stock flowers range from 12 to 36 inches in height and nine to 18 inches in width.

Stock Flowers Varieties to Grow

Stock flowers have an upright growth habit and may have either a single-stemmed columnar form or a multi-stemmed spray type with loose terminal blooms.

If you’re interested in growing stock flowers in your garden, here are some popular varieties to consider:

• Brompton Stock (Matthiola incana): This variety is known for its heavily scented, double flowers that come in various colors, including pink, white, red, rose, purple, and lavender. Brompton stock is a favorite among florists and makes a wonderful addition to both gardens and bouquets.
• Evening Stock (Matthiola longipetala): Also known as night-scented stock, this low and much-branched annual produces intensely fragrant pink to purple flowers that open only at night. It adds a captivating scent to evening gardens and attracts pollinating moths.
• Vintage Stock (Matthiola incana): Vintage stock is a popular choice for its heavily scented, double flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, and white. This variety adds a touch of old-world elegance to garden borders and arrangements.
• Hoary Stock (Matthiola incana): Hoary stock is a delightful variety with delicate, single flowers in lilac to white hues. It is cherished for its sweet scent and is a great option for those who prefer a more subtle bloom.
• Spray Stock (Matthiola incana): Spray stock varieties have multiple stems adorned with loose terminal blooms. They create a lovely cascading effect and provide abundant flowers for bouquets and floral arrangements.
• Apricot Stock (Matthiola incana): This variety showcases beautiful apricot-colored flowers that bring a warm and inviting touch to gardens. Its unique hue adds a pop of color and creates an eye-catching display.
• Lavender Stock (Matthiola incana): Lavender stock is cherished for its soothing color and calming fragrance. Its clusters of purple flowers offer a serene and elegant ambiance to gardens and bouquets.
• Red Stock (Matthiola incana): For a bold and vibrant display, consider planting red stock flowers. Their rich red blooms create a striking contrast and add a touch of drama to any garden or floral arrangement.
• White Stock (Matthiola incana): White stock flowers exude purity and elegance. With their pristine white blooms, they bring a sense of tranquility and grace to gardens and are often used in wedding bouquets and arrangements.
• Mixed Colors Stock: If you can’t decide on a specific color, opt for a mixed colors variety. These blends offer an assortment of hues, allowing you to enjoy a diverse and colorful garden or create captivating floral arrangements with a range of shades.

Remember to choose the varieties that best suit your preferences and growing conditions.

With their beauty, fragrance, and versatility, stock flowers are sure to enhance any garden or floral creation with their delightful presence.

FAQs

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that provide useful information on growing and caring for stock flowers:

• How to Grow and Care for Stock Flowers
• How to Grow and Care for Stock Flowers (Matthiola incana)
• How to Grow Stock Flowers: 14 Steps (with Pictures) – wikiHow

We hope that these resources provide valuable information to help you grow and care for your stock flowers.