DAYS TO GERMINATION:7-14 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C)
SOWING:Transplant (recommended) – Sow ¼” deep into 128-cell plug flats 5-6 weeks before season grow. harden off plants and transplant to the field or protected structure. Direct seed – After last frost. Do not pinch plants. Succession-plant every two weeks for multiple harvests. Stock is a cool-weather crop. Spring and fall-blooming successions are optimal. Stock is a member of the Brassica plant family and is susceptible to flea beetle predation. To prevent flea beetle damage, cover plants with row cover at the time of transplanting. SELECTION: Selection for double-flowering plants is a difficult and time-consuming process. For most situations, we recommend finding a use for the single-flowering plants rather than conducting selection. Chilling seedlings causes visual differences that allow you to select for double-flowered plants by observing color, size, and shape of the cotyledon. While in the cotyledon stage, expose the seedlings to temperatures of 40-45°F (4-7°C) for 3-4 days. Select lighter green seedlings with an oval shape; these will produce double flowers. Discard very small seedlings, ones that are darker green in color, and those with rounder shaped
cotyledons; these will produce single flowers. See our
Stock Production Guide #8227 for more details and information on selection.
LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT:Varies.
PLANT SPACING:6″
Trellis, such as Hortonova, used as horizontal support, is necessary when the temperatures are consistently above 60°F (16°C) or where it rains frequently.
HARDINESS ZONES:Annual.
STEM LENGTH:24-28″.
VASE LIFE:5-10 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE:36-41°F (2-5°C).
HARVEST:Fresh – Harvest when ⅓–½ the florets on the stem are open.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Well-drained, moderately rich soil.
USES: Excellent cut flower. Edible flower. Beds, borders, and containers.
SCIENTIFIC NAME:Matthiola incana
