Fragrant stock flowers for borders and cutting
Matthiola Seeds bring classic cottage garden charm with clove-scented flowers presented on elegant spikes and airy sprays. This collection spans Ten-week stock seeds for quick spring and early summer bloom, Brompton stock seeds for biennial flowering plants, and night-scented stock seeds that release perfume at dusk. Offered as double and single blooms in pastel and richer tones, these fragrant annual flowers suit mixed borders and the cut flower garden alike. Also known as Gillyflower seeds and Matthiola incana seeds, the range includes compact strains and taller florist types, curated for reliable scent and a refined flowering display. Within this selection of Matthiola Seeds, varieties are chosen for uniform habit, strong stems, and enduring fragrance.
As cool-season bedding plants and half-hardy annuals, Matthiola Seeds perform best in well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline character. Indoor seed starting in late winter helps establish sturdy plants; seedlings can be moved outside and transplanted after last frost once growth is steady. Spacing appropriate to the variety encourages airflow and fuller spikes, while gentle hardening off seedlings supports seamless establishment. Deadheading spent blooms can prolong the display, and branching versus single-stem types offer different habits suited to borders or cutting benches. With careful selection across Florist’s stock seeds and garden strains, both formal planting schemes and relaxed cottage settings are well served.
For containers, compact lines of Matthiola Seeds provide a concentrated fragrance on patios and entrances, while taller strains anchor mixed borders and the cut flower garden. The clove-scented flowers and pollinator-friendly blossoms make Stock (Matthiola) valuable for biodiversity, with night-scented varieties intensifying perfume in the evening. From Stock seeds bred for long, single stems prized by florists to fragrant stock seeds selected for branching sprays, this category supports a long, elegant flowering display across the cool season and complements both contemporary schemes and traditional plantings.
Stock (Matthiola)
This navigator outlines the broader Flowers Seeds collection alongside closely related flower categories that complement Stock (Matthiola). It covers annual and biennial options, classic cut flowers, and companion genera with similar growth habits. The links help with planning plantings for bouquets and borders across different conditions and styles.
Stock (Matthiola)
Stock (Matthiola) is a half-hardy, cool-season bedding plant valued for clove‑scented, spring to early summer blooms. Give it full sun, with light afternoon shade in hot spells, and plant in well-drained, fertile soil that’s neutral to slightly alkaline. Keep moisture even—water deeply but allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings, avoiding waterlogging. Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring for earlier flowering, or direct sow after the last frost; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible. Harden off seedlings and transplant at 20–30 cm spacing. Heights range from 30–80 cm depending on variety, with both compact container types and taller forms for borders or cutting.
- For dependable germination, sow shallowly and keep cool (about 13–18°C); excessive heat can reduce sprouting.
- Pinch only branching types once established to encourage fuller plants; leave single-stem types unpinched for long, straight stems.
- Deadhead spent blooms to prolong display; stake taller varieties in exposed sites.
- Compact varieties suit containers; use a free-draining mix and water consistently without saturation.
- Single, open blooms are more accessible to pollinators than doubles.
- Highly ornamental, with night-scented and clove-scented varieties for cottage plantings and cut flower gardens.
How to grow Matthiola from seed
Sow Matthiola (stock, gillyflower) in a fine, well‑drained seed mix and keep conditions cool and bright. Scatter thinly on the surface and either press in or cover very lightly, then maintain even moisture without waterlogging. Cool‑season by nature, seedlings resent excessive heat; good light and airflow help prevent legginess. Prick out promptly into individual cells once true leaves appear, and grow on in full sun with light afternoon shade during hot spells. Transplant to fertile, well‑drained ground that is neutral to slightly alkaline, watering regularly so the soil stays evenly moist. Taller, single‑stem types may benefit from discreet support.
When to sow stock seeds indoors, and when does Matthiola bloom from seed?
Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, then harden off and transplant after the last frost. Where winters are mild, autumn sowing may be possible for earlier flowering the following season. Direct sowing can work once the soil is workable and frost risk has passed, but indoor seed starting offers a head start. As cool‑season bedding plants, Matthiola typically flower in spring and early summer, with timing influenced by sowing date, temperature, and variety. Keeping plants cool and evenly watered helps extend the display and maintain sturdy stems.
What spacing do Matthiola seedlings need, and how tall do stock flowers grow?
Allow approximately 20–30 cm (8–12 in) between plants so air can circulate and stems develop well; closer spacing can be used for smaller, compact selections, while branching or taller forms appreciate the wider end of the range. Mature height varies by variety, generally around 30–80 cm (12–32 in). Compact strains suit front‑of‑border or containers, whereas taller, single‑stem types are useful in cutting beds. Space consistently, keep the soil fertile and free‑draining, and consider staking the tallest selections in breezy sites.
Are Matthiola good for cut flowers, and how long do they last in a vase?
Stocks are classic cut flowers prized for clove‑scented blooms and elegant spikes. Harvest in the cool of the day when the lowest florets are opening, strip any foliage that would sit below the waterline, and place stems into fresh, clean water promptly. With cool indoor conditions and regular water changes, blooms typically last several days, and many growers see close to a week of good vase life, though this varies by variety and room temperature. Continuous cutting or deadheading also encourages fresh spikes outdoors.
Can stock be grown in containers?
Yes—choose compact varieties for the best results and use a deep pot with ample drainage. Fill with a high‑quality, well‑drained, fertile mix, ideally with a touch of grit or perlite to prevent saturation. Position in full sun, providing light afternoon shade during hot periods. Water to keep the compost evenly moist but not soggy, and feed sparingly if growth slows. Rotate the container for even light, and remove spent spikes to keep plants tidy and flowering over an extended cool season.
Are Matthiola flowers pollinator‑friendly, and are they fragrant at night?
Matthiola blossoms can be valuable to pollinators, with single‑flowered forms generally more accessible for nectar and pollen than very double types. Night‑scented selections release a particularly noticeable fragrance at dusk, which may attract moths and other evening visitors. Planting in sunny, wind‑sheltered spots and avoiding heavy pesticide use helps wildlife benefit. For a balanced display, mix single and double forms: doubles provide lush color, while singles offer easier access for insects and a steady hum of garden activity.
Seeds are sourced from vetted suppliers and batches are accompanied by supplier certificates and, where applicable, phytosanitary documentation. Lots are tested for purity and germination to recognised industry methods; any treatments, coatings, or organic status are declared on the label. Origin can vary by season and availability. Guidance provided is general and may differ with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere; refer to product pages for batch-specific details and instructions.
Fragrant stock flowers for borders and cutting
Matthiola, often known as stock, is valued for its clove-like scent and elegant spikes of blooms in shades of white, pink, mauve, and apricot. A cool-season favorite, it performs best in moderate temperatures with consistent moisture and good air circulation. Sow indoors in late winter or early spring at cool germination temperatures, then transplant after the last frost into well-drained, fertile soil with full sun to light shade. In mild climates, autumn sowing may provide earlier flowering. Space plants 20–30 cm apart to allow sturdy growth; avoid excessive nitrogen to maintain compact habits and strong stems. Pinching is generally unnecessary, but removing spent flowers can extend the display. Depending on the cultivar, plants range from compact to taller forms suitable for cutting; harvest stems when the first few florets open for longest vase life. Matthiola is typically grouped with other ornamental species in Flowers Seeds, reflecting its versatility in mixed borders, containers, and cutting gardens.
€4,95
