Dwarf Scarlet - Matthiola Incana

100 seeds

1. Sowing Indoors or Outdoors:

   - Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

     - Sow seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix, pressing them down lightly but do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate.

     - Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 65–70°F (18–21°C). Germination usually takes 7–14 days.

   - Outdoors: Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost in early spring.

     - Plant seeds about 1/8 inch deep, spacing them 8–10 inches apart.

2. Sunlight and Soil:

   - Sunlight: Stock plants need full sun or partial shade. Ideally, they should receive 4–6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.

   - Soil: Prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil for better drainage and richer nutrients.

3. Watering:

   - Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry, especially in humid conditions.

   - In dry periods, water deeply, ensuring the roots get enough moisture. During rainy periods, ensure proper drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

4. Care:

   - Thinning: Once seedlings have a few sets of leaves, thin to 8–10 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth.

   - Fertilizing: Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to encourage robust growth and vibrant blooms.

   - Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers (deadhead) to encourage new blooms and keep the plants tidy.

5. General Tips:

   - Dwarf Scarlet Stock is ideal for borders, containers, and hanging baskets, adding vibrant red blooms to any garden.

   - Mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.

   - Stock plants are biennials in nature, often grown as annuals. If you live in a mild climate, they may overwinter and bloom in the second year.

   - They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and their flowers are fragrant, adding a sweet scent to your garden.

6. Harvesting:

   - For cut flowers, harvest when the bottom flowers are fully open but the top buds are still tightly closed. Stems will last up to 7–10 days in a vase.

Dwarf Scarlet - Matthiola Incana (Stock) is a popular, compact variety known for its vibrant red flowers and strong fragrance. Its easy-care nature and beautiful blooms make it a wonderful addition to any flower bed or container garden!