All About Stock Flowers: A Guide for Young Gardeners
Introduction
If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding garden project that will produce beautiful, fragrant flowers in the spring, stock flowers are a great option. They’re easy to grow, and they come in a wide variety of colors and shapes.
What are Stock Flowers?
Stock flowers, also known as gillyflowers or Matthiola incana, are a type of annual or biennial flower that is native to the Mediterranean region. They are known for their sweet, spicy fragrance and their long-lasting blooms. Stock flowers can grow to be 1-3 feet tall and produce clusters of small, double or single flowers in shades of white, pink, red, purple, and yellow.
How to Grow Stock Flowers
Stock flowers are relatively easy to grow from seed. They can be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or sown directly outdoors in the spring. Stock flowers prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They should be watered regularly, but allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Caring for Stock Flowers
Stock flowers are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require some basic care to thrive. They should be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer, and deadheaded regularly to encourage new blooms. Stock flowers are also susceptible to aphids and other pests, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them and treat them accordingly.
Chilling Stock Flowers
One of the most important things to remember when growing stock flowers is that they require a period of cold treatment in order to bloom properly. This process, known as chilling, can be done by exposing the plants to temperatures between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 weeks. Chilling helps to break down the plant’s natural growth inhibitors and promote flowering.
Growing Stock Flowers in Cold Climates
Stock flowers can be grown in a variety of climates, but they do best in cool, temperate regions. In cold climates, it’s important to protect stock plants from frost by mulching around them or growing them in a greenhouse. Stock flowers can also be grown indoors in a sunny window.
Benefits of Growing Stock Flowers
Stock flowers are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. They are a great source of nectar for bees and other pollinators, and their sweet fragrance can help to attract butterflies to your yard. Stock flowers are also a good choice for cut flowers, as they will last for up to two weeks in a vase.
Conclusion
Stock flowers are a beautiful and versatile flower that can be grown in a variety of climates. With a little care, they will produce beautiful blooms that will add color and fragrance to your garden all season long.
