How to Grow Stock Vintage

Stock Vintage

Matthiola incana

flower

Stock Vintage is a classic flowering plant prized for its tall spikes of densely packed, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, white, and red. These hardy annuals or biennials are beloved by florists and gardeners for their long vase life and intoxicating sweet fragrance. They add vertical interest and romantic appeal to cut flower gardens and cottage-style borders.

Looking for a specific variety?

Vintage Mixed Vintage Burgundy Vintage White Vintage Purple Vintage Rose Vintage Formula Mix

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering in winter for biennial forms.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart, depending on variety inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from seed to first flowers

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Planting depth: Scatter seeds on soil surface or barely cover; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, slightly alkaline preferred

pH: 6.5-7.5

Amendments:

Compost peat moss lime for pH adjustment if soil is acidic perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 5-9; can grow as cool-season annual in zones 3-4 and warm regions

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

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge within 7-14 days. Develop first true leaves and begin forming a compact rosette.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early. Maintain cool temperatures (60-70°F) for stocky growth.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops strong stems and lance-shaped foliage. Forms a bushy, upright structure with increasing leaf production.

Water regularly and deeply. Begin light fertilizing with balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks. Provide support stakes for taller varieties. Pinch main stem at 6 inches to encourage branching if desired.

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Flower spikes begin to form at stem tips. Buds cluster densely along the emerging flower spike.

Continue consistent watering and feeding. Switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering. Maintain cooler temperatures if possible (65-75°F).

Blooming

4-8 weeks

Dense spikes of fragrant flowers open progressively from bottom to top, creating a tall column of color. Flowers continue opening over several weeks.

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming. Continue regular watering. Provide tall stakes or supports for upright varieties. Enjoy fragrance and cut flowers regularly to stimulate more blooms.

Decline & End of Season

Varies by climate

Flowers fade and drop; seed pods may develop if flowers are not deadheaded. Plant growth slows as temperatures warm (annuals) or as season ends (biennials).

For biennials, reduce water slightly and allow plants to begin setting seed if desired. Cut back and compost plants at season's end. Collect seed pods for self-seeding next year if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Snapdragon Sweet alyssum Larkspur Calendula Dianthus Statice Delphinium Wallflower

Avoid planting near:

Cabbage Broccoli Other Brassicas (susceptible to shared pests) Fennel

Common Pests

Use fine mesh netting; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray; handpick caterpillars; encourage natural predators
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; apply neem oil; introduce ladybugs
Increase humidity; spray with water; apply miticide or neem oil if severe; ensure good air circulation
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; remove infected leaves
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; use well-draining soil; remove and destroy infected plants; sterilize soil

Uses

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Ornamental edible garnish

Culinary

Stock flowers are technically edible and can be used as delicate, fragrant garnishes for special occasion plates and cakes, though they are primarily grown for ornamental purposes. [source]

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Cut flowers & floral arrangements

Household

Stock is a premier cut flower prized by florists worldwide for long vase life, fragrance, and vertical form. Its dense flower spikes are ideal for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and formal displays. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Historically, Stock flowers and leaves have been used in traditional herbalism for mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, though modern evidence is limited. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The abundant, fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Stock valuable in pollinator gardens and supporting beneficial insect populations. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements

Craft

Stock flowers dry beautifully and retain their color and form well, making them excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. [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 after dew dries, when lowest buds on spike are just opening. Cut long stems with at least 6-8 leaves attached to encourage new shoots. Recut stems at an angle and place immediately in cool water. Remove lower leaves that would sit below water line. Stock lasts 7-10 days in a vase; change water every 2 days.

Fun Facts

🌱 Stock flowers have been cultivated since at least the 1600s and were highly favored in Victorian cut flower gardens; the scent of double-flowered varieties is often more intense than single varieties.
🌱 The 'Vintage' designation refers to traditional, open-pollinated varieties that may have higher percentages of double flowers (more densely packed petals) compared to modern hybrids.
🌱 Stock flowers come in an unusual color range including true red, magenta, lavender, white, and pink, but rarely in yellow or orange—the pigments in Matthiola simply don't produce warm tones.

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