Night Scented Stock: A Fragrant Delight for Your Garden
What is Night Scented Stock?
Night scented stock, also known as evening stock, is a beautiful annual flower that fills the air with a sweet, vanilla-like fragrance, especially at twilight. Its botanical name is Matthiola longipetala, and it is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes cabbage and broccoli.
Types of Night Scented Stock
There are many different varieties of night scented stock, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:
- Cinderella: A series of beautiful double petal blooms in a range of colors.
- Early Bird: A group of tall, early blooming stock that reaches a height of 24 inches.
- Ten Week Stock: A classic variety that blooms in just 10 weeks from seed.
- Giant Imperial Stock: A taller variety that produces large, fragrant flowers.
How to Grow Night Scented Stock
Night scented stock is a relatively easy flower to grow, and it can be started from seed indoors or outdoors.
Starting Seeds Indoors:
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining seed starting mix.
- Keep the soil moist and warm (70-75 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Once seedlings emerge, provide them with plenty of light.
Transplanting Outdoors:
- Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for a week or two before transplanting.
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Water deeply after transplanting.
Care for Night Scented Stock
Night scented stock is a low-maintenance flower that does not require a lot of care. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your plants healthy and blooming:
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and flowering.
- Pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth.
Uses for Night Scented Stock
Night scented stock is a versatile flower that can be used in a variety of ways:
- Fragrant Garden: Plant night scented stock in borders, containers, or hanging baskets to fill your garden with their sweet fragrance.
- Cut Flowers: The fragrant blooms of night scented stock make them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.
- Potpourri: Dry the flowers of night scented stock and use them to make potpourri or sachets.
- Essential Oil: The essential oil of night scented stock is used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
Tips for Growing Night Scented Stock
- Night scented stock prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- The ideal soil pH for night scented stock is between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Night scented stock is drought tolerant, but it will bloom best if it is watered regularly.
- Aphids are the most common pests that affect night scented stock. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Night scented stock is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is easy to grow and care for. With its sweet vanilla-like scent, it is a welcome addition to any garden.
