Stock offers a wonderfully spicy, distinctive scent. In Sunnyvale, plant it in spring as earlier as February — this annual thrives in cool temperatures and stops blooming once hot weather arrives. It’s especially wonderful in window boxes and planters at nose level, where its sometimes subtle effect can best be appreciated.
Stock is slightly spirelike and comes in a wide range of colors. It makes a great cut flower, perfuming bouquets as well as the border. It grows best in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Details
Matthiola longipetala
Family: Brassicaceae (brass-ih-KAY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus: Matthiola (ma-the-OH-luh) (Info)
Species: longipetala (lon-jee-PET-uh-luh) (Info)
Synonym:Matthiola aspera
Synonym:Matthiola kralikii
Synonym:Matthiola oxyceras
Synonym:Cheiranthus longipetalus
Synonym:Triceras oxyceras
Category:
Annuals
Height:
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing:
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness:
Not Applicable
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
Unknown – Tell us
Bloom Color:
Pale Pink
Rose/Mauve
Magenta (Pink-Purple)
Purple
Maroon (Purple-Brown)
White/Near White
Bloom Time:
Late Winter/Early Spring
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Mid Winter
Foliage:
Herbaceous
Smooth-Textured
Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant
Soil pH requirements:
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Read more: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/232/#ixzz3JSvA0saT
