How to Grow Stock (Matthiola): Sweet-Spicy Fragrance for Cool-Season Gardens

How to Grow Stock (Matthiola)

Stock (Matthiola incana) is a beloved cool-season annual from Europe and Asia Minor, prized for its intense, spicy-sweet fragrance and dense spikes of double flowers in white, red, pink, purple, crimson, yellow, and lavender. Grows 2–2½ feet (dwarf 8–12 inches). Blooms only in cool weather—above mid-60s, bud set fails. In warm zones, plant in winter for spring bloom. Excellent cut flowers; taller types for back of border, dwarfs for edging and windowsill pots.

Propagation

Sow seeds early, ⅛ inch deep, indoors or out. Keep moist. Transplant after frost, 7–12 inches apart. Tolerates crowding.

How to Grow Stock

• Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade.
• Soil: Rich, loose, well-drained.
• Water: Keep moist to slightly dry; water weekly in drought.
• Fertilizer: Monthly balanced feed.
• Maintenance: Mulch for tidiness. Survives light frost.

Bloom Time

Spring to early summer (cool weather only).

Pests & Diseases

Uncommon. Treat if needed.