Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson

Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson — variety description

Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson (Matthiola incana) is an annual flower of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). Stock is a bushy plant that is easy to grow.

With extremely large flower heads and strong upright stems, they do not branch but grow straight up to about 70 cm.

Its large, showy flowers are also very fragrant. The plant flowers in a rich red colour.

It adapts to most well-drained garden soils in a sunny position. Prefers rich, loose soil, but will also tolerate dry, poor soils.

Stock (gillyflower) is the flower with the strongest scent in the garden — especially in the evening. The tall varieties are excellent for cutting, and night-scented stock fills the air with fragrance on summer nights.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 86%
• Seeds per packet: 102–138 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Malta
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings or direct
• Flowering: May – July
• Position: sunny spot

When to sow Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson

Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from May to July. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson

• Sowing method: seedlings or direct
• Depth: 0.5 cm
• Spacing: 20–25 cm
• Germination: 7–14 days at 15–18 °C
• Position: sunny spot

The plant requires full sun to light shade and medium to rich, well-drained soil. The ideal pH is close to neutral, or about 6.8 to 7.5. Sow the seeds outdoors in spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Grow in cooler conditions at about 10 to 15°C. Trim the plants regularly to encourage growth and extend the flowering period.

Sow for seedlings in February–March or directly in April. Stock likes cool weather — in heat it stops flowering. Plant near the patio to enjoy the fragrance.

Flowering and uses

Cut the stems when half of the flowers have opened.

Frequently asked questions

When should Stock Matthiola Incana Crimson be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings or direct.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 102–138 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 86%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

When is stock most fragrant?

In the evening and at night — especially night-scented stock (Matthiola bicornis).