How to grow potted stock (Matthiola incana)? Growing methods and points to note
How to grow potted stock? For potted stock, it is best to choose dwarf varieties. After sowing and emergence, select seedlings whose cotyledons are long-elliptical, pale green, with wavy-edged true leaves and large, obvious notches, and plant those. Such seedlings have a high rate of double flowers, and the price of cut flowers is far higher than that of single flowers.
Stock is a taproot plant with poorly developed fibrous roots, so when raising seedlings it is best to transplant before the true leaves unfold, keeping plenty of the original soil to help them survive. It is best to plant 3 plants per pot in a "triangle" arrangement in a large pot with a diameter of 25 cm, then place it in a low-temperature room. 15-20 days after planting, when the plants have grown to 9-10 leaves, pinch them once to encourage branching. Do not water too frequently; potted stock can be watered once every 2-3 days. In greenhouse cultivation, indoor temperature and humidity are often adjusted through ventilation.
Variety selection for potted stock
For potted stock, dwarf double-flowered varieties should be chosen. At the seedling stage, choose seedlings with pale leaf color, elliptical shape and wavy leaves.
Suitable flower pots for potted stock
For potted stock, a large pot with a diameter of about 25 cm is most suitable. For cultivation, choose sterilized, loose, fertile growing soil, apply base fertilizer at the bottom of the pot, and plant 3 plants per pot.
How to choose growing soil for stock
Stock likes loose, fertile acidic soil. For potting, you can use a growing soil made by mixing 1/3 leaf mold, 1/3 peat soil and 1/3 sand.
Suitable light for stock
Stock likes a semi-shaded environment. However, too much shade will cause stock to bloom too little or not bloom at all; if the light is too strong, it will cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to dry out and be damaged.
Suitable temperature for stock
The suitable growing temperature for stock is 18°C-24°C. When the temperature exceeds 27°C, stock will grow poorly and lack water. From late autumn to early winter, when the temperature begins to drop below 12°C, the potted stock should be moved indoors for growing, otherwise it will be frostbitten.
Moderate watering for stock
When watering stock, water thoroughly, and place it in a cool, dark place; after 3-4 days it can be placed in a well-ventilated, sunny spot. Of course, do not water too much, otherwise it will cause root rot. At the same time, be careful not to splash water on the leaves, otherwise it will cause the leaves to rot.
Fertilizing potted stock should be light
During the growth and development period of stock, apply a thin, fully decomposed liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer about once every 7-10 days. Do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer; the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium applied is best at 1:1:1. After flower buds appear, apply a little more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, and the flowers will be larger and more brightly colored.
Pinching and seed collection of potted stock
When it has grown to about 9 leaves, it needs to be pinched to encourage branching. When the plant grows to 40 cm, it needs a thin bamboo stake for support.
For plants kept for seed, collect the seeds in time when the siliques turn yellow but before they split open.
How to grow potted stock?
Stock is also known as grass violet, four-peach-gram and so on. It is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Matthiola in the Brassicaceae family. Its flowers are lush, the flower colors are bright, the fragrance is rich, the flowering period is long, and the inflorescences are also long. It is loved by many flower lovers and is suitable for potted ornamental display, and for decorating flower beds, steps and flower paths. Now let us take a look at how to grow potted stock!
Growth habits of stock
Stock likes a cool climate and avoids dry heat. It likes a well-ventilated environment. In winter it likes a mild climate, but it can also tolerate a brief low temperature of -5°C. The suitable growing temperature is 15-18°C during the day and about 10°C at night. It is not strict about soil, but grows better in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and avoids acidic soil. It is cold-tolerant but not shade-tolerant, and is afraid of waterlogging. It is suitable for growing in higher locations. In moldy rainy weather that is hot with poor ventilation, it is prone to pests and diseases. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise it is unfavorable for flowering. If light and ventilation are insufficient, it is prone to pests and diseases.
Propagation methods of 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 more than 95%. Usually, stem tips 6-8 cm long are used as propagation material, and they are inserted in groups into a flower pot filled with fine sand, at a depth of about 1 cm. After cutting, spray water every day to keep it moist. After about one month, the cuttings can grow luxuriant roots, and then they can be planted separately.
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 sowing in spring or at the end of summer, fertile, moist soil is required, and after sowing the pot soil should be moistened by the soaking method. The temperature is best kept at 15-20°C, and germination and emergence occur after 10-15 days.
How to grow potted stock?
1. Soil: Stock is not strict about soil, but grows better in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil, and avoids acidic soil. The pot 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, water immediately, alternating wet and dry.
3. Sunlight: Stock likes sufficient sunlight, but is also slightly tolerant of semi-shade. If light and ventilation are insufficient, it is prone to pests and diseases.
4. Temperature: Stock likes an environment that is warm in winter, cool in summer and well ventilated. In winter it can tolerate a brief low temperature of -5°C, and it avoids dry heat. The suitable temperature for flower bud differentiation is 15°C.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing season, fertilize stock once every 10 days. Do not use too much nitrogen fertilizer; 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 sprout branches and bloom again. The flowering period begins in mid-April, and it blooms a second time from June to July.