
Dharaseeds
Matthiola incana Appleblossom Stock for planting fragrant blooms romantic flower patch
Estimated Free Delivery between July 26 and July 29.
Secured Payment Methods
Your transaction is protected with advanced security measures to keep your information confidential
The Appleblossom Stock is a beautiful, fragrant flower known for its soft, pastel-colored blooms and strong, upright growth. This variety of stock is particularly valued for its delightful scent, making it a popular choice for both gardens and floral arrangements. With a range of colors from pale pinks to soft purples and whites, Appleblossom Stock brings elegance and charm to any garden. It thrives in cooler climates, making it a great option for early spring or fall planting.
Key Benefits
- Fragrant Blooms: Known for its sweet, spicy fragrance, which makes it perfect for cut flower arrangements and garden borders.
- Vibrant Colors: Produces a range of delicate, pastel colors that add a soft and charming touch to any garden.
- Cold Hardy: A cool-season plant that thrives in early spring or fall, making it an ideal choice for cooler climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: Appleblossom Stock flowers hold up well for weeks, ensuring your garden remains colorful for a long time.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: Tall, upright plants with a sturdy, branched stem covered in clusters of flowers.
- Flower Profile: Delicate flowers in soft pink, lavender, and white shades, with a spicy fragrance.
- Growth Habit: Forms bushy plants that can grow up to 2 feet tall, making it a great addition to garden beds or containers.
- Size: Typically grows 18–24 inches tall with a spread of about 12–18 inches.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost for early spring blooms.
- Ideal for cooler weather, thriving in temperatures between 55°F–65°F (13°C–18°C).
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Sow seeds lightly on the surface, pressing gently but not covering, as they need light to germinate.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
- Sunlight: Needs full sun to partial shade. In warmer climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week.
- Water at the base to prevent wetting the foliage and minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time and again after the first round of blooms for continued vigor.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly weed around the plants to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
- Mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Watch for aphids and flea beetles, which can damage the foliage. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Diseases: Stock plants are susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Appleblossom Stock typically blooms in 10–12 weeks after planting, depending on the growing conditions.
- Size: Flowers can be harvested once they are fully open, and the plant reaches its full height of 18–24 inches.
- Method: Cut flowers in the early morning for the best vase life, cutting the stem at an angle to promote water absorption.
Storage
- Short-Term: Freshly cut Appleblossom Stock can last 5–7 days in a vase with regular water changes.
- Long-Term: For longer storage, you can dry the flowers by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place.
Culinary Uses
- While Stock is primarily ornamental, its flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads or desserts for a touch of color and flavor.
Conclusion
Appleblossom Stock is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add fragrance and beauty to their flower beds or containers. Its sweet-scented, pastel-colored blooms, cold tolerance, and attractive growth habit make it a versatile and charming addition to any garden. Whether grown for its beauty or its fragrance, Appleblossom Stock is sure to be a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike.