How to Grow Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice
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Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice
Matthiola incana
flowerTen Weeks Stock is a charming annual flowering plant known for its fragrant, densely-packed flower spikes in shades of pink, purple, white, red, and lavender. It typically blooms within 10 weeks of sowing, making it popular for quick garden color and cut flowers. The Florist's Choice variety is a premium selection bred for large, double flowers and excellent vase life.
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Example Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice
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 Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; prefers cooler temperatures and performs best in spring and fall
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Get my Ten Weeks Stock Florist's Choice timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysTiny seedlings emerge with first true leaves appearing. Seeds require light and cool conditions (60-65°F) for best germination.
Do not cover seeds completely; keep soil evenly moist; maintain cool temperatures; provide bright light but not intense direct sun
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop 2-3 sets of true leaves and establish a small root system. Growth is slow initially.
Thin seedlings to proper spacing if direct seeded; maintain cool conditions (60-70°F); provide good air circulation; water gently
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops sturdy stems and elongated leaves; noticeable height increase as plant prepares for flowering.
Maintain consistent moisture; ensure full sun exposure; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; support tall varieties with stakes if needed
Bud Formation & Flowering
4-6 weeksDense spikes of flower buds appear at stem tips; flowers gradually open from bottom to top along the spike.
Continue regular watering; apply potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage blooms; deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; ensure excellent drainage
Peak Bloom & Decline
3-8 weeks depending on climatePlant reaches full floral display with multiple open flowers on each spike. Blooms fade as temperatures rise or plant exhausts energy.
Cut flowers for arrangements to extend blooming period; deadhead regularly; reduce watering slightly if decline begins; in hot climates, provide afternoon shade
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use fine mesh netting; hand-pick caterpillars; spray with neem oil or spinosad; plant companion herbs like dill nearby to attract predators
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate; remove affected leaves
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Increase humidity and mist foliage; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
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Ensure excellent drainage; do not overwater; use well-draining soil; remove and discard severely affected plants
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and
Remove debris where they hide; use copper tape barriers; hand-pick in early morning; apply diatomaceous earth around base
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryStock flowers are edible and can be used as elegant garnishes for desserts, salads, and cocktails. They add subtle floral flavor and visual appeal to dishes. [source]
Premium Cut Flowers
HouseholdTen Weeks Stock Florist's Choice is highly prized by florists and home arrangers for its long vase life (7-10 days), fragrance, and abundant double blooms on tall spikes. It's a staple in professional floral arrangements. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalMatthiola species have been used in traditional medicine to support respiratory health and as a mild expectorant. Modern use is limited but the plant contains volatile oils with potential therapeutic compounds. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting garden ecosystems and local pollinator populations. [source]
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftStock flowers dry beautifully and retain their color and structure well, making them excellent for dried arrangements, wreaths, and long-lasting floral 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 when stems are fully hydrated and buds are just beginning to open. Cut at an angle, remove lower leaves, and place immediately in water. Flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For continuous blooms, deadhead spent flowers regularly, which encourages more spike production. Use sharp scissors or pruners to avoid crushing stems.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Ten Weeks Stock' comes from the plant's remarkably fast blooming cycle—it can flower from seed in just 10 weeks under ideal conditions, making it one of the quickest annuals to bloom.
- 🌱 Stock flowers have been cultivated since ancient times and were favorites in Victorian gardens, prized for their intense fragrance that can fill an entire garden or room.
- 🌱 The Florist's Choice variety was specifically developed for the cut flower industry and is engineered to produce double flowers (extra petals) and longer, stronger stems ideal for professional arrangements.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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