How to Grow Double Click Pink

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Double Click Pink

Matthiola incana 'Double Click Pink'

flower

Double Click Pink is an improved variety of stock flower featuring fully double blooms in soft pink tones. This upright, bushy annual produces fragrant flower spikes on sturdy stems ideal for cutting and arrangements. The variety was developed for earlier flowering and more consistent double blooms compared to traditional stock varieties.

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Example Double Click Pink timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Double Click Pink

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Double Click Pink blooms

    Around Jun 6

    ≈ 50 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Double Click Pink dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; partial afternoon shade in hot climates (zones 8-10)
💧
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Reduce watering slightly once established.
📏
Spacing: 9-12 inches apart inches
📅
Days to maturity: 50-70 days from transplant; 70-90 days from seed
🌱
Planting depth: Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep; transplant at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss or coco coir Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Lime if pH is below 6.0

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-10; prefers cooler temperatures in zones 8-10

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge with true leaves appearing within 1-2 weeks. Plants are delicate and light green.

Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist. Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F. Thin seedlings or transplant to individual pots at 2-3 true leaves.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop multiple stems and bushy foliage. Leaves are blue-green and lanceolate. Strong root system establishes.

Harden off transplants gradually before outdoor planting. Pinch growing tips when 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

3

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower spikes emerge from leaf axils with visible flower buds forming densely along the spike.

Continue consistent watering and fertilization. Support tall stems with stakes if needed. Remove any weak or spindly growth.

4

Flowering

4-6 weeks

Double pink flowers open progressively along the spike from bottom to top, creating a tall, showy flower stem. Fragrant blooms are fully double petaled.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Stake plants for support. Continue regular watering and weekly fertilization with bloom-promoting formula (higher phosphorus).

5

Decline

Varies by climate

Flowering slows in heat; plants may become leggy. Quality of blooms may diminish in summer heat.

In cooler zones, continue deadheading for extended blooms. In warm zones, consider replacing plants or moving to shade. Collect seeds if desired before pulling plants.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale) Fennel Anise

Common Pests

  • Use floating row covers during planting season. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillar control. Hand-pick visible larvae.

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Increase humidity and watering. Spray foliage with water. Apply miticide if severe. Remove heavily infested leaves.

  • Use yellow sticky traps. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly. Improve air circulation around plants.

  • Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide at first sign. Remove severely affected leaves.

Uses

🍳

Edible Flowers for Decoration

Culinary

Double Click Pink flowers are non-toxic and can be used as elegant garnishes for cakes, salads, and desserts. Crystallized petals add decorative flair to baked goods. [source]

🏠

Cut Flowers & Arrangements

Household

Exceptional cut flower with fragrant, long-lasting double blooms on sturdy stems perfect for florist arrangements, wedding bouquets, and home floral displays. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Historically, Matthiola species have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support and as a calming herb, though modern clinical evidence is limited. [source]

🎨

Dried Flowers

Craft

Flowers dry well while retaining color and can be used in dried arrangements, pressed flower crafts, and potpourri blends. [source]

🦋

Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Double flowers may have reduced nectar accessibility, but single-flowered stocks and occasional semi-double forms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers in early morning when stems are turgid and most buds are showing color. Cut at least 6 inches of stem length. Place immediately in cool water with flower food. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For longest vase life, remove lower leaves and re-cut stems every 2 days. Plants continue producing new spikes when flowers are regularly harvested.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Stock flowers (Matthiola) have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, originally native to the Mediterranean region and prized by ancient gardeners for their intense fragrance.
  • 🌱 The 'Double Click' series was bred specifically to flower earlier and more reliably as doubles compared to traditional stock, making it popular with commercial cut flower growers.
  • 🌱 Pink stock flowers symbolize happiness and contentment, making them popular choices for celebrations, weddings, and gift arrangements in the floral industry.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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