Stock

Matthiola incana, commonly known as stock or Brompton stock, is a fragrant flowering annual in the cabbage family. It produces dense, upright spikes of single or double flowers in white, pink, and violet tones. Stock thrives in cool growing conditions and is valued both as a garden ornamental and as a long-lasting cut flower. Its rich, clove-like scent is most intense on warm evenings.

Growing

Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before outdoor transplant conditions are met. Sow seeds at a depth of 3 mm in well-draining seed compost; press lightly and keep moist. Germination occurs in 7–14 days once soil reaches 10 °C. Transplant outdoors once nights stay consistently above 4 °C, spacing plants 30 cm apart. Stock tolerates light frost but performs best in full sun with temperatures below 22 °C.

Care

Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; stock dislikes soggy roots. Feed with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser every 2–3 weeks once established to encourage flower spike development. Stake taller stems in exposed positions. Deadhead spent spikes promptly to prolong flowering and encourage side-branch blooms.

Harvest

Cut stems for the vase when the lowest two or three flowers on the spike have opened but the majority of buds remain closed. Harvest in the early morning while stems are fully turgid. Use sharp, clean scissors or a knife and cut at a 45-degree angle to maximise water uptake.

In the kitchen

Stock flowers are primarily ornamental, but the petals are edible and mildly peppery, fitting for the Brassicaceae family. Use individual petals to garnish salads, dessert plates, or cold appetisers. The scent adds an aromatic dimension to table arrangements at dinner.

Storing

Place cut stems immediately in clean water with a floral preservative and store in a cool location (2–5 °C). Vase life is typically 7–10 days. Change the water every two days and recut the stem bases. Do not store near ripening fruit, as ethylene gas shortens vase life significantly.