A lovely, distinctive aroma that is spicy and suggestive of cloves is offered by White Stock Flowers. Where their often delicate effect can be most appreciated, in window boxes as well as planters placed at nose level, they are especially beautiful. Stock plants have a spire-like shape and have a variety of colored blooms. They are appreciated by florists for their long-lasting blossoms and their alluring fragrance, and they also make excellent cut flowers.
The stock should be planted in spring several weeks before the final date for frost in your area because these hardy annuals prefer chilly temperatures and lose their blooming ability if the weather gets too hot. Discover more in this article from homegardenartful.com!
Locations to Plant White Stock Flower
In full sun or partial shade with wet, well-drained soil, White Stock Flower plants thrive. They look great in cottage gardens or planted close to places to sit so you can enjoy their fragrance. Stock plants are typically cultivated as annuals, although they can also be grown as biennials or short-lived perennials in zones 7 through 10.
You may also grow stock in flower boxes and pots, but make sure to pick one with a diameter that is at least one or two inches more than the plant’s anticipated width at maturity.
How to Plant Stock and When
Stock seeds should be planted inside about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost in milder locations. Early in the spring, seedlings can be moved outside (after a little hardening off). Dig a hole that is approximately the same size as the nursery pot if you are planting nursery starts, and space your plants between 6 and 12 inches.
Following the final spring frost, you can sow seeds directly into the ground. The seeds should be sown on the soil’s surface and kept moist every day until they start to germinate. Once the seeds have sprouted, space the seedlings 6 to 12 inches apart.
Tips for Stock Care
Once grown, stock flowers require little maintenance. Older plants are more tolerant of drought and only need a little deadheading to encourage regrowth throughout the season.
Light
White Stock flowers can blossom in partial shade as long as they receive a few hours of sun each day, but they prefer full sun. Plant your stock flowers where they will receive early sunlight rather than the glaring afternoon rays for the healthiest, happiest blooms.
Flowers that prefer rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of neutral to slightly alkaline (preferably 6.5 to 7.5) are known as soil and water stock flowers. If your soil needs amending before planting, turn the ground approximately 8 inches deep and sprinkle in with compost (or lime, if your soil is acidic). Mulch can be added as a top dressing to the soil to prevent weed growth and maintain a consistent moisture level.
Thermodynamics and Humidity
White Stock Flower plants thrive in cool, semi-tropical settings and will cease blooming in the summer once temperatures rise to 65 degrees. They are classified as “half-hardy” annuals in some zones because they can survive one or two frosts and can overwinter in relatively temperate areas.
If planted in the right soil, fertilizer-stock plants don’t require fertilizer to flourish. If you’d like, you can fertilize your plants lightly when they begin to sprout new growth by adhering to the manufacturer’s directions. Apply fertilizer no more frequently than once per month, and monitor the health of the plants because too much fertilizer can lead to root rot.
Pruning
Deadhead wasted flowers right away to preserve your stock plants looking neat and generating new growth until the fall. Simply pinch off the withered blossoms with your fingertips, or cut off the entire flower spike if all of the blossoms have faded. To focus the plant’s energy on growing new stalks, simply cut the stalk as close to the root as you can.
Reseeding and Potting
The procedures for caring for stock plants that have been placed in the ground and those that are grown in containers are substantially the same. The plants will require relatively neutral, moist soil that drains well. Pay particular attention to the plant tags, and pick a container that will work with the stock plant’s growth requirements. The best option is to go with shorter types to prevent the container from becoming very top-heavy.
Questions and Answers about White Stock Flower
Can you dry-stock flowers?
Yes! If you knot a few stems together and hang stock flowers upside down in a warm, well-ventilated place that is away from direct sunshine, they will dry wonderfully. Depending on how quickly you can dry them, these plants might even keep some of their scent.
Can you eat stock flowers?
In reality, absolutely. The stock plant is a member of the brassica family, which also contains cruciferous vegetables such as kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, and turnips, and has the botanical name Matthiola incana. The flowers’ delicate floral flavor complements salads well and makes them a tasty garnish for pasta or desserts. The plant’s pods can also be eaten and have a flavor similar to radish.
