Stock
Matthiola incana
Stock is grown for its intoxicating, clove-like perfume and dense spikes of velvety double flowers in white, pink, lavender, and deep purple. It is a mainstay of cottage gardens and cutting patches, flowering in late spring and early summer. Sow indoors in February–March at 18°C or directly in April in light, well-drained soil in full sun. Plants grow to 45–60cm and flower 12–14 weeks from sowing. Space 25cm apart. Stock is a cool-season annual that struggles in heat — in warm summers plants bolt early. Harvest stems when the first third of flowers are open for the longest vase life and strongest scent.
Plan where to grow Stock using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Stock
Sow stock in February, March, April. It flowers from May to August.
Time to Flower Stock
Expect flowers approximately 3 months after sowing.
Companion Plants for Stock
- Sweet Pea
Both are scented, cool-season cut flowers that like the same rich soil and can be sown together for summer bunches.
- Calendula
Both are easy annuals for a sunny cutting patch and attract pollinators.
- Snapdragon
Traditional cutting-garden partners with similar timing and growing needs.
Avoid growing stock near
- Cabbages and other brassicas: Stocks are in the cabbage family and can carry clubroot, so keep them out of brassica beds and rotate them with brassicas.
Expected Yield
A 1m row yields 10–15 heavily scented cut stems.
Pruning Stock
Cut the spikes for the vase as the lower flowers open, or deadhead after flowering; most plants are pulled out once finished.
Common Problems with Stock
Plants bolt without flowering in hot weather
Stock needs cool conditions. Sow early for spring flowering, or choose a semi-shaded spot and mulch to keep roots cool.
Leggy, pale seedlings
Insufficient light causes this. Grow under bright lights indoors or provide full sun. Avoid overcrowding in trays.
Aphids covering new growth
Stock is prone to greenfly. Blast with soapy water or introduce beneficial insects early in the season.
Stock: common questions
When should I sow stock in the UK?
Sow stock from February to April. Sow under cover for an early start, or directly outside once the soil has warmed.
How far apart should I plant stock?
Space stock about 25cm apart. It grows to around 50cm tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does stock take to germinate?
Stock seeds usually germinate in 7–14 days, depending on temperature.
When does stock flower?
Stock usually flowers from May to August in the UK.
Does stock come back every year?
No. Stock is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
When should I prune stock?
Cut the spikes for the vase as the lower flowers open, or deadhead after flowering; most plants are pulled out once finished.
What grows well with stock?
Good companions for stock include Sweet Pea, Calendula and Snapdragon. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near stock?
Avoid cabbages and other brassicas: stocks are in the cabbage family and can carry clubroot, so keep them out of brassica beds and rotate them with brassicas.
Is stock frost hardy?
Only partly. Stock is half-hardy: it copes with cold but not frost, so plant it out after the last frost (usually mid to late May) and protect it if frost is forecast.
Is stock a brassica?
Yes. Stock belongs in the brassicas group for crop rotation. Grow it in a different bed each year, alongside other brassicas, so pests and diseases don't build up in the soil.
Plan your stock in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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