Stock (White)
Stock White, scientifically known as Matthiola incana, is a cool-season annual or tender perennial prized for its tall spikes of double white flowers with a spicy-sweet fragrance. Perfect for early spring blooms, this plant thrives in cooler weather and adds elegance to gardens, bouquets, and floral designs. Grown as a potted starter plant, it's easy to transplant for quick establishment.
Plant Specifications and Attributes
- Plant Size: 12-36 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide.
- Spacing: 6-18 inches apart, depending on desired density; closer spacing (6-9 inches) for mass plantings or cut flower production.
- Sun Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours daily); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
- Hardiness Zone: 7-10 (USDA); grown as an annual in cooler zones.
- Bloom Period: Late spring to early summer (May-July), lasting 4-6 weeks; flowering may pause in hot weather.
Description
Stock (Stox White) is a classic cottage garden favorite from the Brassicaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. This variety produces tall, strong stems up to 28 inches long, topped with dense clusters of pure white, double flowers that emit a delightful clove-like scent. The gray-green, lance-shaped leaves form a compact bushy base, making it suitable for borders, containers, or as a filler in mixed beds. As a cool-weather lover, it performs best when planted in spring or fall, avoiding midsummer heat which can reduce blooming. It's deer-tolerant and attracts pollinators like butterflies.
Transplanting Instructions
- Timing: Transplant outdoors 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost, once soil is workable and temperatures are consistently above 32°F. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days.
- Site Preparation: Choose a sunny location with well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.8-7.5) enriched with organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils to improve drainage.
- Planting: Dig holes slightly larger than the 3-inch pot. Gently remove the plant from the pot, loosen roots if pot-bound, and place at the same soil level as in the pot. Space plants 6-18 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
- Aftercare: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged for the first week. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks. Provide support netting if growing for cut flowers to keep stems upright. Pinch tips when young for bushier growth if desired.
- Tips: Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade. For succession blooming, plant in intervals of 2 weeks.