How to Grow Night-Scented Stock
Night-Scented Stock
Matthiola bicornis
flowerNight-scented stock is an annual flowering plant prized for its intensely fragrant flowers that release their sweet perfume primarily in the evening and on cloudy days. The delicate, four-petaled blooms come in shades of pink, mauve, purple, and white, growing on slender stems. Despite being less showy than day-scented stocks, this variety is cherished by gardeners for its remarkable nocturnal fragrance that can perfume an entire garden.
When should you plant Night-Scented Stock in your zone?
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Example Night-Scented Stock timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Night-Scented Stock
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Night-Scented Stock blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Night-Scented Stock dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; best performance in cooler zones (4-8)
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with first true leaves appear within 7-10 days; very delicate and vulnerable to damping off disease
Maintain high humidity but ensure good air circulation; avoid overwatering; provide bright light; thin seedlings to prevent crowding
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop true leaves and grow 4-8 inches tall; stems become sturdier; foliage is gray-green and somewhat sparse
Keep soil consistently moist; ensure adequate light to prevent legginess; thin to proper spacing; pinch tips if plants become too tall and spindly
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds form along the stems; plant reaches full height of 12-24 inches; buds are small and elongated
Maintain consistent moisture; reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage; support tall varieties with stakes if needed
Flowering
6-10 weeksDelicate four-petaled flowers open in clusters; blooms appear in pink, mauve, purple, or white; fragrance is strongest in evenings and cool weather
Continue regular watering; deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming period; fragrance is most intense in cool temperatures and low light; provide support as plants may become top-heavy
Seed Development
4-6 weeksIf allowed to mature, flowers produce long, thin seed pods (siliques); plant energy shifts from flowering to seed production
Leave some flowers unpruned to collect seeds if desired; harvest seed pods when they turn brown and dry; allow to fully dry before extracting seeds
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use fine netting; pick off caterpillars by hand; apply spinosad or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if infestation is severe
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Row covers over young plants; neem oil spray; diatomaceous earth; encourage beneficial insects
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Yellow sticky traps; strong water spray to dislodge; neem oil or insecticidal soap; reflective mulch
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate spray; remove infected leaves
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Avoid planting in infested soil; practice crop rotation; maintain soil pH above 6.5; solarize soil if disease is present
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe delicate petals can be used as a garnish in salads and desserts, adding a subtle floral sweetness and visual appeal to culinary presentations. [source]
Evening Garden Fragrance
HouseholdPlant near seating areas, windows, or outdoor entertaining spaces to enjoy the remarkable nocturnal scent that intensifies at dusk and fills the evening air with sweet perfume. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftDelicate flowers make charming additions to fresh flower arrangements and bouquets; cut in early morning or evening for best longevity and fragrance retention in the vase. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeNight-scented stock attracts night-flying moths and evening pollinators through its fragrance, supporting nocturnal wildlife and contributing to garden ecosystem health. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHistorically used in traditional herbalism for its calming aromatic properties; the flowers have been dried for use in herbal teas and aromatherapy applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Night-scented stock is grown for flowers, not harvested as a crop. Cut flowers in the early morning or late evening when fragrance is strongest. For continuous blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly. To collect seeds, allow some flowers to mature and dry on the plant; harvest brown seed pods and allow to dry indoors before extracting seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Night-scented stock's fragrance is actually a survival strategy—the plant releases scent in the evening to attract night-flying moths for pollination, since the flowers are less visually showy than day-blooming varieties.
- 🌱 The scent is strongest on humid evenings and becomes almost imperceptible on hot, dry days, making cool-season and cloudy-day gardening ideal for enjoying this plant's full aromatic potential.
- 🌱 Despite being called 'stock,' Matthiola bicornis is a different species than the more common Matthiola incana (Ten-week stock or Gillyflower), and has a distinctly different growth habit and fragrance pattern.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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