Matthiola incana

Matthiola incana, commonly known as Stock, Hoary Stock, or Gillyflower, is prized by gardeners for its spicy, clove-like fragrance and its sturdy spikes of blossoms. If you want a garden that smells as good as it looks, this is the plant for you. One of the joys of growing Stock is its exceptional germination rate, which frequently reaches 80 to 90 percent. There is no need for any pre-treatment of the seeds. The most vital instruction for success is that Stock seeds are "light germinators." When you sow them, usually indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost, you must scatter them on top of the soil and press them in without covering them. If they are buried in the dark, they will simply sit there and eventually rot.

The seedlings prefer cool temperatures, so once they sprout (usually in 7 to 14 days), keep them in a room that stays between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. One interesting fact about Stock is that the seedlings often come in two types: those that will produce single flowers and those that will produce double flowers. Professional growers often find that the double-flowering seedlings are slightly paler green and grow more vigorously. Maintenance for Stock involves providing plenty of light and ensuring good air movement. They are prone to a condition called "damping-off" if the air is stagnant and the soil is too wet. Once the weather is cool and the danger of a hard freeze has passed, transplant them into the garden. Stock is a "cool-season" annual, meaning it will bloom beautifully in the spring but will stop flowering once the intense heat of July and August arrives.

Stock is one of the best plants for container gardening because its fragrance is so powerful. Planting them in window boxes or pots near a doorway ensures that every time you enter or exit your home, you are greeted by their scent. They grow vertically, reaching about 12 to 24 inches, making them perfect for the middle of a mixed container. In the garden landscape, they are classic "cottage garden" flowers. They look spectacular when planted in dense drifts alongside other spring favorites like Snapdragons, Pansies, and Sweet Alyssum. For a truly professional look, plant them in groups of ten or more to create a solid block of color and a concentrated cloud of perfume that will drift across your entire yard.