Matthiola incana

How to Grow Stock

Stocks are a very popular spring flowering annual that produce a magnificent display when planted out in garden beds. This is due to their columns of fragrant flowers that come in brilliant shades of white, pink, lavender, red and purple. They are ideal as cut flowers and will add presence to any dining table or garden alike.

Full sun to part shade

Regular watering

Well drained soil

Suitable for all climatic zones.

How to grow stocks in a garden

Step 1

Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Seed Raising Mix. As stock seeds require light to germinate, press lightly into the mix and water well. You can also sow these seeds directly where they are to grow.

Step 2

Water gently and keep moist through germination period.

Step 3

While the seedlings are growing, choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 4

Allow the seedlings to grow to at least 5 cm before transplanting.

Step 5

When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 30 cm apart. Water in well.

Step 6

Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, sugar cane or pea straw.

Step 7

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to grow stocks in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.

Step 2

Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 3

As Stock seeds require light to germinate, plant the seeds directly into the pot by pressing them lightly into the mix and water well.

Step 4

Water gently and keep moist through the germination period.

Step 5

Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with Yates Thrive Roses and Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Yates varieties

Growing tips

Water at the base of the plant to avoid risk of disease.
It has been said that the number of single flowered stocks can be limited by removing the seedlings with the darkest- coloured leaves.
Stocks appreciate a soil that is slightly alkaline. To achieve this add some Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite prior to planting out.
Remove spent blooms to promote new buds to form and to prolong the flower display.