Stock 'Giant Perfection'
These dense columns of highly fragrant blooms make a bold statement in any garden. Brilliant shades of white, pink, lavender, red and purple.
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Stock plants (Matthiola incana) are a very popular spring flowering annual that produce a magnificent display when planted out in garden beds. This is due to their columns of fragrant flowers that come in brilliant shades of white, pink, lavender, red and purple. They are ideal as cut flowers and will add presence to any dining table or garden alike.
How to grow stock in a garden
- Fill starter pots or trays with Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix. As stock seeds require light to germinate, press lightly into the mix and water well. You can also sow these seeds directly where they are to grow.
- Water gently and keep moist through germination period.
- While the seedlings are growing, choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed.
- Allow the seedlings to grow to at least 5 cm before transplanting.
- When transplanting them into your prepared garden bed, ensure seedlings are well spaced – at least 30 cm apart. Water in well.
- Mulch with an organic mulch, such as bark chips, woodchip or pea straw.
- Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.
How to grow stock in a pot
- Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to part shade.
- Fill the chosen pots with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.
- As stock seeds require light to germinate, plant the seeds directly into the pot by pressing them lightly into the mix. Water in well.
- Water gently and keep moist through the germination period.
- Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.
Growing tips
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid the risk of fungal issues.
- It has been said that the number of single-flowered stocks can be limited by removing the seedlings with the darkest-coloured leaves.
- Stock appreciate soil that is slightly alkaline. To achieve this add some Yates Thrive Natural Garden Lime prior to planting.
- Remove spent blooms to promote new buds to form and to prolong the flower display.
More Plants
Hellebores
Hellebores are the moody, gothic jewels of the winter garden. Learn how you can grow them in garden or in pots.
Gardenia
Gardenias have soft scented blooms in white or yellow. Depending on the variety, can be grown as a shrub, standard, hedge or ground cover.
Freesia
Freesias are a spring flowering bulb that produce scented blooms in a range of vibrant colours including pinks, white, yellow, mauve and red.
Flax
Flax (Phormium spp.) are highly versatile plants which can grow well in swampy or dry conditions. Great for large pots or en-masse in garden beds.
Recommended products
Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed
A certified organic garden input boosted with NZ Seaweed to gently nourish plants, enrich the soil and encourage a strong healthy root system.
Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix
Specially formulated for trouble-free seed raising in trays (or outdoor seed sowing direclty into the ground) and propagation of cuttings.
Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food
Specially formulated to grow all types of flowers. With high potassium for large & abundant flowers, added calcium & iron for stronger flowers.
Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food
Provides your flowers & roses with the balanced nutrients they require for healthy growth and flower production.
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