Matthiola incana 'Column Apricot'
traditional field-grown column stocks
- approx 100 seeds
- £4.49
- In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Seed Packets (only) £2.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well drained soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering: June to October
- Hardiness: hardy biennial (often grown as an annual)
Stocks are unmatched for their fragrance, flower displays and ease of growing, and ‘Apricot’ is no exception. Beautiful, blousy, and blooming in time from Valentines from an October sowing, the grey-green rosette of foliage gives rise to sweetly-scented and loosely branched double pinkish-apricot flowering spikes, ideal for the cut flower vase. Sown in early spring under glass, a fragrant bed of stocks in the garden can be had in as little as 90 days, and a succession of sowings will provide continuous flower and scent to summer borders well into autumn.
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil, adding well-rotted compost to the planting area and backfill. Space Matthiola about 30cm (12in) apart to allow good air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Sow indoors from March to April or directly outside from April to May once the soil has warmed. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Sow thinly in drills about 0.5cm (¼in) deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
