Stock Seeds - White Goddess

White Goddess Stock Seeds are a beautiful and fragrant flower variety, known for their tall, elegant spikes and stunning white blooms. This heirloom variety is a favorite among gardeners for its striking appearance and lovely, sweet scent, which makes it perfect for both garden beds and floral arrangements. White Goddess Stock thrives in cooler weather and adds a touch of class and fragrance to any space.

Key Benefits

• Fragrant Blooms: Known for their sweet, clove-like scent, making them perfect for bouquets and garden displays.
• Tall and Elegant: Grows tall, producing large, showy spikes of white flowers that add height and drama to the garden.
• Cold-Hardy: Prefers cooler climates, thriving in early spring or fall, and is a great choice for gardens with mild winters.
• Long-Lasting Blooms: Provides beautiful flowers that last for several weeks, adding extended color and fragrance to the garden.
• Easy to Grow: Ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners, as it requires minimal care once established.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Produces tall, upright flower spikes with clusters of white blooms. The flowers are dense and fragrant, with a ruffled, almost frothy appearance.
• Flowering Season: Blooms from late spring to early summer, adding a striking contrast against green foliage.
• Height: Typically reaches 18–36 inches tall, depending on growing conditions.
• Flower Size: Individual flowers are about 1–2 inches wide, arranged in dense clusters.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost for early blooms.
• Can also be sown directly in the garden in early spring or late summer for fall planting.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
• Spacing: Space plants 6–8 inches apart to allow for full growth.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5).
• Sunlight: Requires full sun to partial shade, though it performs best in full sun.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging.
• Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases and ensure deep root growth.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) at planting time to promote healthy growth and flowering.
• A light feeding of a high-phosphorus fertilizer in the middle of the growing season can help boost flower production.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Use mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, keep soil cool, and suppress weed growth.

Deadheading

• Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Deadheading also extends the flowering period, providing more enjoyment.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or natural predators like ladybugs to control these pests.
• Diseases: Stock is susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions. Ensure proper air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering.

Harvesting

• Maturity: White Goddess Stock is ready to bloom in 90–100 days from sowing.
• Size: Harvest flowers when the bottom flowers on the spike begin to open, but before they fully bloom.
• Method: Cut the flower stems at an angle with sharp scissors or garden shears, leaving enough foliage for the plant to continue growing.

Storage

• Short-Term: Stock flowers are ideal for fresh bouquets and will last 5–7 days in a vase with clean water.
• Long-Term: To preserve stock flowers, allow them to air-dry or hang them upside down in a cool, dry place for longer storage.

Culinary Uses

While White Goddess Stock is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, the flowers are non-toxic and can be used in creative ways:

• Edible Garnish: The flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish in salads or desserts for a touch of elegance and fragrance.
• Floral Tea: The blooms can be used to infuse a mild, aromatic tea with a delicate flavor.

Conclusion

White Goddess Stock Seeds offer a combination of beauty, fragrance, and hardiness, making them a must-have for any garden. With their tall, elegant spikes of white blooms and sweet, clove-like scent, these flowers are perfect for both garden beds and floral arrangements. Whether grown for their visual appeal or their lovely fragrance, White Goddess Stock is sure to be a standout in any garden.