KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0
garden
Stock
Matthiola
EdibleMedicinal
Overview
Old-fashioned flowers prized for their intoxicating clove-like fragrance, stocks (Matthiola) produce dense spikes of double flowers in pastel pinks, purples, whites, and creams. Their scent is strongest in the evening, making them ideal near windows and outdoor seating areas. Evening stock (M. longipetala) is plain by day but releases the most heavenly perfume at dusk.
Growing Conditions
LightFull Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones6 — 10
Height0.6m
Spread0.3m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6 — 7.5
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, slightly alkaline, loamy soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Start Indoors | Feb — Mar | Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; chill seed 2 weeks for better germination |
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — May | Transplant in spring; tolerates light frost |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Cut when half of florets are open; clove/spice scented |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in early spring; very fragrant evening bloomer |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jun | Harvest in spring; one of the most fragrant cut flowers |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Feb — Mar | Sow in late winter; blooms in cool spring weather |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sow for early spring bloom |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Mar — May | Spring bloom; evening fragrance strongest |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall/winter crop; intensely fragrant |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Dec — Mar (wraps) | Winter/spring bloom |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Oct — Dec | Fall sow for winter bloom; needs cool nights |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Dec — Feb (wraps) | Winter bloom; intoxicating fragrance |
Uses
Culinary
- Flowers are edible with a mild, sweet flavor
- Used as fragrant garnish for desserts and cocktails
Medicinal
- Traditional use as a mild expectorant for coughs
- Seed oil used historically for skin softening
Other Uses
- Exceptional fragrant cut flower
- Evening-scented varieties for patio and window-side planting
