Densely packed spikes of clove-scented flowers fill the cool-season garden and vase with perfume. Best sown in autumn for a long, fragrant late-winter display.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 60 cm H × 30 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Stock
Botanically, Matthiola incana is an moderate-growing annual in the Brassicaceae family. It reaches around 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide at maturity, with silver-grey and semi-deciduous foliage. Purple, pink, white and red flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Stock
Stock suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Stock provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Stock is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Stock after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Stock in the garden
Stock earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, its fragrance, feeding bees and pollinators and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Stock with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Stock
Plant Sale lists Stock as seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Stock seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.