Dharaseeds
Stock Seeds - Hot Cakes Formula Mix
Estimated delivery between February 09 and February 12.
Stock Seeds - Hot Cakes Formula Mix
The Stock Seeds Hot Cakes Formula Mix is a vibrant and eye-catching blend of colorful stock flowers that will add a burst of beauty to any garden. Known for their fragrant, multi-colored blooms, this mix is perfect for gardeners who want to enjoy a colorful and aromatic display. With a mix of pink, red, white, purple, and yellow hues, Hot Cakes provides a long-lasting floral show from spring through summer.
Key Benefits
- Fragrant Blooms: The Hot Cakes Formula Mix produces a rich, sweet fragrance that is perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Dazzling Colors: With a wide range of vibrant shades, these flowers create an enchanting and multi-dimensional visual display in the garden.
- Cold Tolerant: Hot Cakes Stock flowers are frost-tolerant, meaning they can thrive in early spring or cooler climates, extending the growing season.
- Attracts Pollinators: Ideal for encouraging biodiversity, the sweet scent and vibrant colors of Hot Cakes will attract beneficial insects.
- Easy to Grow: This mix is beginner-friendly, with hardy plants that can thrive in various growing conditions.
Variety Features
- Plant Characteristics: The Hot Cakes Formula Mix produces upright plants with sturdy stems and an abundance of blooms that are typically 2–3 inches in diameter.
- Flavor Profile: The blooms themselves are not edible, but the fragrance is delightful, offering a sweet and floral scent.
- Growth Habit: Stock plants grow in dense clusters, with flowers arranged in tall spikes.
- Size: Stock flowers typically grow 12–24 inches in height, with the flower spikes standing tall above the green foliage.
Planting Instructions
Planting Season
- Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost date, or sow directly outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed.
- Stock thrives in cool temperatures, making it perfect for spring gardens in regions with mild summers.
Planting Details
- Seed Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.
- Spacing: Space plants 6–12 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and optimal growth.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Rich, loamy soil is best for robust growth.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun to light shade. Stock prefers cooler temperatures, so in warmer climates, partial shade is ideal.
Care Instructions
Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Stock flowers prefer consistently moist conditions, especially during their blooming period.
- Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.
Fertilization
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) during planting to support strong initial growth.
- Once the plants are established, feed with a low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming rather than excessive foliage growth.
Weeding and Mulching
- Regularly remove weeds around the plants to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulch with organic material around the base of the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
Pest and Disease Control
- Pests: Stock flowers are generally resistant to pests, but aphids and spider mites can sometimes be an issue. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Diseases: Keep an eye out for fungal issues like powdery mildew. Good air circulation and proper watering techniques help prevent these problems.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Stock flowers usually bloom within 12–16 weeks from planting.
- Size: Harvest when the majority of the flowers on the spike have opened.
- Method: Cut flowers early in the morning when they are hydrated, taking care to cut the stems at an angle.
Storage
- Short-Term: Stock flowers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a vase for about 5–7 days.
- Long-Term: For long-term storage, dried stock flowers can be used in wreaths or arrangements, though they may lose some of their fragrance and vibrancy.
Culinary Uses
- Although Stock flowers are not edible, they are perfect for decorative purposes in floral arrangements and garden displays.
Conclusion
The Hot Cakes Formula Mix is a stunning addition to any garden, offering an array of vibrant, fragrant flowers that will enhance your landscape. Whether used in garden beds, containers, or as cut flowers for indoor arrangements, these plants are sure to make an impact. With their versatility, cold tolerance, and easy care, Hot Cakes Stock flowers are a favorite for gardeners of all experience levels.