Stock Mix produces upright spikes filled with fragrant, ruffled flowers in shades that may include pink, purple, red, white and cream. Its sweet, clove-like scent is especially noticeable during cool weather. The flowers look attractive in winter pots, sunny borders and fresh arrangements.

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, Stock grows best as a cool-season annual in Pakistan. Mild temperatures help it develop sturdy stems and fuller flower spikes, while persistent heat shortens its flowering period. Mixed seeds may produce both single and double flowers.

Why Grow It

• Sweet Fragrance: The flowers release a rich, clove-like scent.
• Mixed Colours: Several soft and bright shades can grow from one packet.
• Upright Display: Dense flower spikes add height to pots and borders.
• Cut Flowers: The scented stems are suitable for bouquets and indoor arrangements.

Best Conditions

• Germination: Usually 7–14 days
• Temperature: Around 18–24°C
• Sunlight: At least 6 hours
• Pot size: A 10–12-inch-wide pot
• Spacing: About 8–12 inches between plants
• Plant height: Usually around 12–24 inches, depending on the plants in the mix
• Spread: Approximately 8–12 inches
• Soil: Fertile, evenly moist and well-draining mix

In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, sow from September to November, with September to October giving the plants more cool growing time. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October to December after the strongest heat has eased. In colder northern and hilly areas, start seeds under protection from February to March and transplant from March to April after the risk of hard frost has passed.

How to Sow

Stock is usually easier to start in a tray or small pots and transplant before the roots become crowded.

1. Fill a seed tray or small pots with fine, moist seed starter mix.
2. Sow the seeds thinly, press them gently and cover with no more than ⅛ inch of fine mix.
3. Water gently using a fine spray and keep the tray at around 18–24°C.
4. Keep the mix lightly moist and give the seedlings bright light after they appear.
5. Transplant carefully when they have 2–3 true leaves, leaving 8–12 inches between plants.

Plant Care

Water when the surface of the soil begins to dry. Stock grows best with fairly even moisture, but soggy soil can damage its roots. Water near the soil and avoid leaving the leaves wet during cold evenings.

Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the final potting mix before transplanting. Avoid heavy feeding because excessive nitrogen can produce weak stems. If aphids or flea beetles damage the tender leaves, spray Neem Oil on the affected growth while avoiding open flowers.

Local Gardener Tips

• Protect young seedlings from strong watering and prolonged winter rain.
• Sow another small batch after two weeks for a later display.
• Place pots near entrances or pathways where the fragrance can be enjoyed.
• Support taller flower spikes with thin stakes in windy rooftop gardens.

Flowering and Cutting

Flowers usually begin appearing around 10–14 weeks after sowing. The lower flowers on each spike open first, followed by the flowers above them. The display remains strongest during cool, sunny weather and becomes shorter when temperatures rise.

For a vase, cut the stem when roughly one-third of its flowers have opened. Remove any leaves that would sit below the water and place the stem in a clean vase. Remove faded spikes from garden plants to keep them tidy.

Common names: Stock, Garden Stock, Common Stock, Hoary Stock, Ten-week Stock, Gillyflower, Brompton Stock, Matthiola incana, گل سٹاک