Stock flowers, also known as Matthiola incana, are popular cut flowers with us and other cut flower growers, due to their sweet fragrance and long-lasting blooms. Today, w’re going to share some of the best types of stock for cut flowers and share some of our seed starting secrets to grow stock from seed.

The very first step is to look for great types of stock to grow and to find a reputable source to buy them. In order to do that, you’ll have to look for high-quality seed from a reputable source, such as Johnny’s Select Seeds, Botanical Interests, or Burpee Seeds. There are several great varieties of stock to grow, but a few of our favorite types to grow for cut flowers are: Iron Series, Katz Series, Cinderella, and Legacy.

After you’ve selected the varieties you want to grow, it’s not time to get your seeds started! We usually start our stock seeds at the end of January or beginning of February in zone 5b, Central Iowa. Starting them early and getting them outside early will allow them plenty of time to establish before heat sets in.

In order to start your seeds, use either a 72 cell tray, recycled milk jug, or other seed starting container and fill it with seed starting medium. Sow your seeds in a sunny location, or under grow lights (for at least 10 hours a day). We do not bury our seeds 1/8” into the seed starting medium as recommended on most seed packets. We top sow the seeds to allow maximum germination. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Keeping your growing temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for these seedlings. They don’t like to be too warm while they are germinating. If your sunny place is too warm, consider moving them back just a bit to not take on too much warmth. We recommend buying a digital temperature gauge to monitor your growing temperature.

Once you have your seedlings placed in their seed starting area, be sure to water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until seedlings emerge. After your seedlings emerge, water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. After your seedlings are established, feed them with a balanced fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. They love just a bit of fertilizer to help them strengthen their growth.

Before we plant our stock seedlings into the ground, we harden them off. Starting on a day that isn’t too windy, we bring out seedlings outside for an hour, then bring back inside. Each day after that we leave them out for longer and longer until they are stiff to the touch. At that point, we know they are ready to be planted.

We plant our stock into either 9” or 6” spacing in our reusable fabric cover to help reduct weeds. The closer you plant them together, the taller the stems you will see. Also, as stock flowers grow, they may need support to prevent them from falling over. Use netting, stake them or use a cage to provide support.

By following some of our tips and tricks, you should be well on your way to growing beautiful and healthy stock flowers from seed!

XX Jenn and Adam