Stock

Matthiola incana

flower

verifiedReviewed by the GreenScout Team

Stock is a fragrant flowering plant prized for its dense spikes of double or single flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. This cool-season annual or biennial blooms prolifically and is excellent for cut flowers and garden displays. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers cooler temperatures, making it ideal for spring and autumn planting.

Common Problems

Select the problem your Stock is experiencing to get a treatment guide.

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Yellow Leaveschevron_right

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Brown Spotschevron_right

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Underwateringchevron_right

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Wiltingchevron_right

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Slow Growthchevron_right

Care Guide

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Light

Full sun (6–8 hours daily); tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water

Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering in cool months

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Soil

Well-draining, fertile loam; pH 6.0–7.5; amend with compost or peat moss

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Fertiliser

Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) every 2–3 weeks during growing season; reduce in winter

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Temperature

Cool-loving; ideal 50–65°F (10–18°C); tolerates frost; struggles above 75°F (24°C)

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Humidity

Moderate; 40–50% humidity; good air circulation reduces disease risk

Toxicity

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Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and children; safe to handle

Common Diseases

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Common Pests

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Seasonal Care

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Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.

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Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.

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Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.

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Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Stock grown mainly as a spring or autumn flower?

It's a cool-season plant that prefers 50–65°F and struggles above 75°F, so spring and autumn planting lets it flower prolifically before or after the heat of summer.

Why do people grow Stock as a cut flower?

Its dense, fragrant spikes of double or single flowers in pink, purple, white, and red make it a favorite for cut-flower arrangements as well as garden displays.