How to Grow Potted Stock (Matthiola incana)? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Care Methods
Stock is also known as grass violet and stock gillyflower, among other names. It is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Matthiola in the Brassicaceae family. Its flowers are abundant, the colors are vivid, the fragrance is rich, the blooming period is long, and the flower spikes are also long. It is loved by many flower enthusiasts and is suitable for potted ornamental display and for arranging flower beds, steps, and flower borders. Now let us take a look at how to grow potted stock!
Growth Habits of Stock
Stock prefers a cool climate and dislikes dry heat. It likes a well-ventilated environment. In winter it prefers mild weather, but it can also tolerate a brief low temperature of -5°C. The suitable growing temperature is 15-18°C during the day and around 10°C at night. It is not demanding about soil, but grows better in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and dislikes acidic soil. It is cold-tolerant but not shade-tolerant, and fears waterlogging. It is suitable for growing in higher positions. During the moldy rainy season, when the weather is hot and ventilation is poor, it is prone to pest and disease damage. Fertilization should not be excessive, otherwise it is unfavorable for flowering. If light and ventilation are insufficient, it is prone to pests and diseases.
Propagation Methods for Stock
1. Cuttings: Stock cutting propagation is mostly carried out from April to June each year. Fine sand can be used as the propagation medium, and the cutting survival rate is very high, reaching over 95%. Usually, stem tips 6-8 cm long are used as propagation material, and they are inserted in groups into flower pots filled with fine sand at a depth of about 1 cm. After cutting, spray water daily to maintain moisture. After about one month, the cuttings can grow lush roots, and at this point they can be divided and planted.
2. Sowing: Stock usually has a one-year growth cycle. Sowing propagation can be carried out twice a year, either in spring or at the end of summer each year. Whether propagated by spring sowing or late-summer sowing, fertile, moist soil is required, and after sowing the potting soil should be moistened by the immersion method. The temperature should be kept at 15-20°C, and germination and seedling emergence occur after 10-15 days.
How to Grow Potted Stock?
1. Soil: Stock is not demanding about soil, but grows better in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and dislikes acidic soil. The potting soil can be a mix of 2 parts humus soil, 2 parts garden soil, and 1 part river sand.
2. Watering: For stock, generally when the soil surface is dry and whitish, it should be watered immediately, alternating between wet and dry.
3. Sunlight: Stock likes ample sunlight, but is also slightly tolerant of partial shade. If light and ventilation are insufficient, it is prone to pests and diseases.
4. Temperature: Stock likes a warm winter, a cool summer, and a well-ventilated environment. In winter it can tolerate a brief low temperature of -5°C, and it dislikes dry heat. The suitable temperature for flower bud differentiation is 15°C.
5. Fertilization: During the growing season, fertilize stock once every 10 days. Nitrogen fertilizer should not be excessive; phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer should be applied. Stop fertilizing during the flowering period and in winter.
6. Pruning: After stock flowers, the spent flowers should be cut off, so that it can send out new branches and bloom again. The flowering period begins in mid-April, and it blooms a second time from June to July.