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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Stock does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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
Combine Stock with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and cool-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Stock
Plant Sale lists Stock as seed. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Stock seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
