Evening Scent is an old-fashioned annual treasured for its sweet nighttime fragrance and delicate lavender-pink flowers. The blooms are modest during the day, but as evening approaches they open more fully and release a rich, clove-like perfume that can carry through the garden. This makes Evening Scent an excellent choice for patios, porches, walkways, moon gardens, and any area where its fragrance can be enjoyed after sunset.
Garden Uses:
Perfect for fragrance gardens, evening gardens, moon gardens, cottage gardens, containers, window boxes, patio plantings, and borders near sitting areas. Evening Scent is especially effective when planted close to doors, decks, benches, and walkways. It combines well with nicotiana, sweet alyssum, mignonette, stocks, night phlox, petunias, and other fragrant annuals.
Growing Information:
Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors 4–6 weeks early. Cover lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and average, well-drained soil. Evening Scent grows quickly and usually performs best when sown in succession every few weeks for an extended season of fragrance. Plants typically reach 12–18 inches tall with a loose, airy habit.
Pollinator Value:
The flowers are especially valuable to evening and night-flying pollinators, including moths, while also attracting small bees and beneficial insects during the day. Their fragrance is strongest in the evening, helping guide nighttime pollinators to the blooms.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Evening Scent adds diversity to pollinator plantings by supporting insects active at dusk and after dark. Its airy growth habit blends easily with other annuals and helps fill open spaces in natural-style borders without crowding neighboring plants.
Historical Significance:
Evening Scent has long been grown in old cottage gardens for its powerful fragrance rather than showy flowers. It was traditionally planted near windows and sitting areas so the evening perfume could drift indoors on warm summer nights.
Interesting Facts:
The flowers often appear somewhat closed or understated during the heat of the day, then open and become fragrant toward evening. This habit makes the plant especially charming in gardens designed for evening enjoyment. Its botanical name, Matthiola longipetala ssp. bicornis, places it among the stocks, a group well known for sweetly scented blooms.
Seedman Notes:
This is a plant for the gardener who appreciates fragrance as much as appearance. Evening Scent is not the showiest annual in daylight, but after sunset it becomes one of the most rewarding plants in the garden. Plant generously near outdoor seating areas for the best effect.
Quick Facts:
Type: Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola longipetala ssp. bicornis
Common Name: Evening Scent, Night-Scented Stock
Height: 12–18 Inches
Spread: 8–12 Inches
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Time: Spring to Summer, with Succession Sowing
Flower Color: Lavender, Lilac, Pink to Pale Purple
Soil: Average, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Fragrance Gardens, Moon Gardens, Containers, Cottage Gardens, Patio Plantings
Attracts: Moths, Bees & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Evening Fragrance
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Container Use
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance
★★★★★ Moon Garden Use
★★☆☆☆ Cut Flower Use
Malmaison Pink Stock is a classic heirloom annual admired for its fully double, richly fragrant blossoms in soft rose-pink shades. The densely packed flower spikes produce an abundance of ruffled blooms with a sweet clove-like fragrance that perfumes the garden and fills bouquets with delightful scent. Blooming during the cool seasons of spring and early summer, Malmaison Pink has long been treasured by gardeners and florists alike for its elegance, exceptional fragrance, and outstanding cut flower quality.
Garden Uses:
An outstanding choice for cutting gardens, cottage gardens, spring borders, containers, fragrant gardens, and formal flower beds. Malmaison Pink pairs beautifully with sweet peas, larkspur, snapdragons, Iceland poppies, violas, dianthus, and bachelor's buttons. Its upright flower spikes also make a wonderful centerpiece in mixed container plantings.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors in cool spring weather. Cover seeds lightly and maintain even moisture during germination. Plants thrive in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Stock performs best during cool weather and benefits from regular watering without allowing the soil to remain soggy. Mature plants generally grow 18–30 inches tall with sturdy flower spikes.
Pollinator Value:
The fragrant blooms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Their rich nectar supply makes them especially valuable during the cooler months when fewer flowers are available.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Malmaison Pink provides an early-season nectar source for pollinators while adding vertical structure and fragrance to mixed borders. The long-lasting flowers help extend the flowering season in spring gardens and blend beautifully with both annuals and perennials.
Historical Significance:
The Malmaison group of stocks takes its name from the famous Château de Malmaison in France, renowned for its magnificent gardens cultivated during the time of Empress Joséphine. These luxurious double-flowered stocks became highly prized in Victorian and Edwardian gardens, where fragrance was considered just as important as flower color.
Interesting Facts:
Stocks belong to the cabbage family (Brassicaceae), making them relatives of broccoli, kale, and mustard despite their elegant flowers. Their signature spicy-sweet fragrance becomes even stronger during cool evenings, making them favorites for both gardens and floral arrangements.
Seedman Notes:
Few annuals combine beauty and fragrance as successfully as Malmaison Pink. Its large double blooms make outstanding cut flowers, while the sweet perfume transforms patios, walkways, and cottage gardens into wonderfully scented retreats. For the finest blooms, grow during the cooler months of spring or fall in mild climates.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Malmaison Pink Stock
Height: 18–30 Inches
Spread: 10–14 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Soft Rose Pink
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Borders, Containers, Fragrance Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Container Growing
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Prefers Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Floral Arrangement Value
Dark Blue Ten Week Dwarf Stock is a compact, cool-season annual prized for its densely packed spikes of richly colored deep blue to violet double flowers and its wonderful spicy-clove fragrance. This classic heirloom variety produces sturdy stems loaded with blossoms that brighten spring gardens while providing exceptional cut flowers for bouquets. Its dwarf habit makes it especially well suited for borders, containers, and smaller garden spaces where fragrance and vibrant color are equally appreciated.
Garden Uses:
An excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, window boxes, containers, raised beds, and fragrant garden plantings. Dark Blue Ten Week Dwarf Stock pairs beautifully with pansies, violas, snapdragons, sweet alyssum, Iceland poppies, larkspur, and dwarf dianthus. Its compact size makes it especially useful along walkways where its sweet fragrance can be enjoyed up close.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors in early spring while temperatures remain cool. Cover seed lightly and keep evenly moist during germination. Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Stock performs best in cool weather and appreciates consistent moisture without waterlogged soil. Plants generally mature in about ten weeks from sowing, reaching 12–18 inches in height with a compact, branching habit.
Pollinator Value:
The fragrant blossoms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. Their early-season bloom period provides an important nectar source when many other annuals are just beginning to flower.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Dark Blue Ten Week Dwarf Stock adds both fragrance and biodiversity to the garden while supporting pollinators during the cooler growing season. Its compact growth allows it to fit easily into mixed borders without shading neighboring plants.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cultivated throughout Europe for hundreds of years and became treasured favorites in Victorian cottage gardens because of their unforgettable fragrance. The "Ten Week" strains were developed to flower quickly from seed, allowing gardeners to enjoy beautiful blooms in a relatively short growing period while maintaining the rich scent for which stocks are famous.
Interesting Facts:
Although the flowers have a luxurious appearance, Stock belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae), making it a close relative of cabbage and broccoli. The cool temperatures of spring actually intensify both the flower color and fragrance, making this one of the finest early-season annuals.
Seedman Notes:
Dark Blue Ten Week Dwarf Stock is a wonderful selection for gardeners who want rich color, compact growth, and exceptional fragrance. Plant several together near patios or garden paths to fully appreciate their sweet perfume, and harvest stems frequently to enjoy indoors while encouraging additional flowering.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Dark Blue Ten Week Dwarf Stock
Height: 12–18 Inches
Spread: 8–12 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Deep Blue to Violet
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Borders, Containers, Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Fragrance Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Container Performance
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Best in Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Spring Color Impact
White Ten Week Dwarf Stock is a compact heirloom annual celebrated for its elegant spikes of pure white, double blossoms and wonderfully sweet clove-like fragrance. Blooming just ten weeks from sowing under favorable conditions, this classic variety produces dense flower spikes that brighten spring gardens and create beautiful, fragrant bouquets. Its dwarf stature makes it an excellent choice for borders, containers, and window boxes where both beauty and fragrance can be enjoyed up close.
Garden Uses:
Ideal for cottage gardens, cutting gardens, formal borders, containers, window boxes, fragrance gardens, and patio planters. White Ten Week Dwarf Stock pairs beautifully with blue larkspur, pink snapdragons, violas, sweet alyssum, Iceland poppies, pansies, and spring-flowering bulbs. The crisp white blooms provide an elegant contrast that complements virtually any flower color.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the final spring frost or sow outdoors in early spring while temperatures remain cool. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist during germination. Grow in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. Regular watering and cool temperatures encourage the finest blooms. Plants mature in approximately ten weeks and typically grow 12–18 inches tall with a compact, branching habit.
Pollinator Value:
The fragrant flowers attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Their abundant nectar provides valuable forage during the cool spring season when many pollinators are becoming active.
Natural Garden Benefits:
White Ten Week Dwarf Stock supports early-season pollinators while adding fragrance and structure to mixed flower beds. Its compact growth makes it easy to incorporate into smaller gardens without competing with neighboring plants.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cherished in European gardens since the Middle Ages and became especially popular during the Victorian era for their rich fragrance and long-lasting cut flowers. The Ten Week strains were developed to provide rapid flowering from seed, allowing gardeners to enjoy blooms much earlier than traditional stock varieties.
Interesting Facts:
Despite its refined appearance, Stock belongs to the Brassicaceae family, making it a close relative of cabbage, kale, and broccoli. White-flowered varieties are especially popular in wedding gardens and moon gardens because their blooms seem to glow in the soft light of evening while releasing an even stronger fragrance.
Seedman Notes:
White Ten Week Dwarf Stock is one of the finest annuals for combining fragrance, elegance, and versatility. The compact plants fit beautifully into containers and border fronts, while the long-lasting blooms are exceptional for fresh bouquets. Frequent cutting encourages additional flowering and keeps plants looking their best throughout the cool season.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: White Ten Week Dwarf Stock
Height: 12–18 Inches
Spread: 8–12 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Pure White
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Borders, Containers, Window Boxes, Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Fragrance Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Container Performance
★★★★★ Wedding Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Performs Best in Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Moon Garden Use
Column Yellow Miracle Stock is a magnificent florist-quality annual that produces tall, sturdy spikes packed with fully double, golden-yellow blossoms. Bred as part of the renowned Column series, this variety is prized for its uniform growth, exceptional stem quality, and wonderfully sweet clove fragrance. Its brilliant yellow flowers add cheerful color to spring gardens while providing some of the finest cut flowers available for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
Garden Uses:
Outstanding for cutting gardens, cottage gardens, formal flower beds, mixed borders, fragrance gardens, and commercial flower production. Column Yellow Miracle combines beautifully with blue delphiniums, purple larkspur, white snapdragons, Iceland poppies, bachelor's buttons, sweet peas, and ornamental grasses. Its upright habit also makes it an excellent background plant in annual borders.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly outdoors in early spring where summers remain cool. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Stock thrives in cool weather and benefits from regular watering without allowing the soil to become waterlogged. Plants typically reach 24–36 inches tall with strong, unbranched stems ideal for cutting.
Pollinator Value:
The fragrant blooms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. Their early-season flowering provides an excellent nectar source when relatively few annuals are in bloom.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Column Yellow Miracle adds valuable early-season nectar for pollinators while contributing bright vertical color to the landscape. Its upright habit blends beautifully with both annual and perennial plantings, creating structure without overwhelming neighboring flowers.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cultivated since ancient Mediterranean times and became indispensable flowers in European cottage gardens and Victorian landscapes. The modern Column series was developed specifically for professional cut flower growers, producing exceptionally uniform plants with long, straight stems and large double blooms that meet florist standards.
Interesting Facts:
The rich yellow blossoms retain their color remarkably well in bouquets, often remaining fresh for more than a week. Like other stocks, the fragrance becomes especially noticeable during the cool hours of morning and evening, filling the garden with a pleasant spicy-sweet perfume.
Seedman Notes:
Column Yellow Miracle is an outstanding choice for gardeners who enjoy growing their own cut flowers. The combination of brilliant golden blooms, sturdy stems, and exceptional fragrance makes it one of the finest yellow stocks available. Harvest stems as the lower flowers begin opening for the longest vase life and continued garden production.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Column Yellow Miracle Stock
Height: 24–36 Inches
Spread: 10–14 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Bright Golden Yellow
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Borders, Fragrance Gardens, Florist Production
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Landscape Impact
★★★★★ Florist Value
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Prefers Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Garden Color
Column Apricot Stock is an elegant florist-quality annual that produces tall, stately spikes covered with fully double blossoms in soft apricot and peach tones. Part of the highly regarded Column series, this variety is known for its uniform growth, strong stems, and exceptionally fragrant blooms. The warm pastel coloring adds a refined touch to spring gardens while providing outstanding cut flowers that are equally at home in cottage-style bouquets or sophisticated floral arrangements.
Garden Uses:
An exceptional choice for cutting gardens, cottage gardens, mixed borders, fragrance gardens, wedding gardens, and commercial flower production. Column Apricot blends beautifully with white stocks, lavender larkspur, blue delphiniums, cream snapdragons, salmon Iceland poppies, sweet peas, and ornamental grasses. Its soft coloring creates beautiful pastel combinations while providing excellent vertical interest.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow outdoors in early spring where cool weather persists. Cover seeds lightly with soil and maintain even moisture during germination. Grow plants in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Stocks thrive in cool temperatures and benefit from regular watering while avoiding overly wet conditions. Mature plants generally reach 24–36 inches tall and produce long, straight stems ideal for cutting.
Pollinator Value:
The richly scented flowers attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. Their abundant nectar provides an important food source during the cooler months of the growing season.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Column Apricot adds valuable early-season nectar while bringing elegant vertical structure to annual beds and mixed borders. Its fragrant blooms encourage pollinator activity and complement both perennial and annual companion plantings.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cultivated around the Mediterranean for centuries and became iconic flowers in Victorian cutting gardens because of their remarkable fragrance and excellent vase life. The modern Column series was developed specifically to produce uniform, florist-quality stems with large, fully double flowers that are highly valued in the commercial cut flower industry.
Interesting Facts:
Apricot-colored flowers are among the most versatile shades in floral design because they blend effortlessly with both warm and cool color palettes. The blossoms become even more fragrant during cool mornings and evenings, filling the surrounding garden with their signature spicy-clove perfume.
Seedman Notes:
Column Apricot is an outstanding variety for gardeners who love growing their own bouquets. Its warm pastel coloring offers a refreshing alternative to traditional pinks and whites while maintaining the exceptional fragrance and long-lasting blooms that have made stocks favorites for generations. Cut stems when the lower flowers begin opening for the longest vase life.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Column Apricot Stock
Height: 24–36 Inches
Spread: 10–14 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Soft Apricot to Peach
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Borders, Fragrance Gardens, Wedding Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Florist Value
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Prefers Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Wedding Bouquet Use
Goldcut Yellow Stock is a premium florist-quality annual that produces tall, elegant spikes of fully double, brilliant golden-yellow flowers with the classic sweet clove fragrance that has made stocks garden favorites for centuries. Bred for exceptional stem quality and uniform growth, the Goldcut series is highly valued by both home gardeners and professional flower growers. The vibrant yellow blooms add warmth and sunshine to spring gardens while providing outstanding long-lasting cut flowers.
Garden Uses:
Perfect for cutting gardens, cottage gardens, formal borders, fragrance gardens, commercial flower production, and mixed annual beds. Goldcut Yellow pairs beautifully with blue delphiniums, purple larkspur, white snapdragons, apricot stocks, Iceland poppies, sweet peas, and ornamental grasses. Its upright flower spikes provide strong vertical accents and outstanding color in both the garden and floral arrangements.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring frost or sow directly outdoors in cool weather. Cover seeds lightly with fine soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil rich in compost or organic matter. Stocks perform best during cool temperatures and appreciate consistent moisture without waterlogged conditions. Plants typically mature at 24–36 inches tall with sturdy, florist-grade stems that require little support.
Pollinator Value:
The fragrant blossoms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Their generous nectar production makes them an excellent early-season food source for pollinators.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Goldcut Yellow Stock contributes valuable nectar to pollinator gardens while adding height, fragrance, and brilliant color to spring landscapes. Its upright habit allows companion plants to thrive beneath and around it without excessive shading.
Historical Significance:
Native to the Mediterranean region, stocks have been cultivated for hundreds of years for both ornamental beauty and fragrance. Modern Goldcut selections were developed specifically for premium cut flower production, offering exceptionally uniform plants, large double blooms, and excellent vase life while preserving the classic fragrance of traditional heirloom stocks.
Interesting Facts:
The Goldcut series is widely grown by commercial flower growers because of its dependable stem quality and uniform flowering. The rich golden blossoms become even more fragrant during cool mornings and evenings, filling the garden with their signature spicy-sweet perfume.
Seedman Notes:
Goldcut Yellow is an excellent selection for gardeners who enjoy growing exhibition-quality cut flowers. Its glowing yellow blooms brighten spring borders and create cheerful bouquets that remain fresh for many days. For continuous cutting, harvest stems as the lowest flowers begin to open while leaving younger side shoots to continue blooming.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Goldcut Yellow Stock
Height: 24–36 Inches
Spread: 10–14 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Rich Golden Yellow
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Cut Flowers, Borders, Cottage Gardens, Fragrance Gardens, Florist Production
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Florist Performance
★★★★★ Garden Color Impact
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Prefers Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Vase Life
Column Appleblossom Stock is an elegant florist-quality annual producing tall, uniform spikes of densely double blossoms in delicate shades of blush pink, soft rose, and creamy white. The gentle color blend resembles the fresh blossoms of spring apple trees, while the richly scented flowers fill the garden with the classic spicy-clove fragrance that has made stocks favorites for generations. Part of the premium Column series, this variety is prized for its strong stems, uniform flowering, and exceptional performance as both a garden plant and cut flower.
Garden Uses:
Outstanding for cutting gardens, cottage gardens, wedding gardens, mixed borders, fragrance gardens, and commercial flower production. Column Appleblossom combines beautifully with white larkspur, blue delphiniums, lavender stocks, sweet peas, foxgloves, snapdragons, and pastel Iceland poppies. Its soft coloring makes it especially popular in romantic garden designs and spring floral arrangements.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the final spring frost or sow outdoors during cool weather. Cover seeds lightly with fine soil and maintain consistent moisture during germination. Grow in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or other organic matter. Stocks perform best in cool temperatures and appreciate regular watering while avoiding saturated soil. Plants generally reach 24–36 inches tall with sturdy, florist-grade stems that remain upright throughout the flowering season.
Pollinator Value:
The sweetly fragrant blossoms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects. Their long flowering period provides an excellent source of nectar during the cooler months of spring.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Column Appleblossom enhances biodiversity by providing valuable nectar while adding elegant height and fragrance to mixed plantings. Its upright habit allows neighboring flowers to flourish, making it an excellent companion in cottage and pollinator gardens.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cultivated since ancient Greek and Roman times for both their ornamental beauty and unforgettable fragrance. The modern Column series was developed to produce exceptionally uniform, florist-quality plants with large double blooms and long, straight stems that meet the high standards of commercial flower growers.
Interesting Facts:
The soft pink-and-white coloring closely resembles blooming apple orchards in spring, giving this variety its descriptive name. Its blossoms often become even more fragrant during the cool hours of morning and evening, when their sweet clove scent drifts throughout the garden.
Seedman Notes:
Column Appleblossom is one of the finest pastel-colored stocks available for gardeners who appreciate elegance and fragrance. Its beautiful color blend pairs effortlessly with nearly any flower, while the sturdy stems make it an outstanding choice for fresh bouquets and wedding arrangements. Harvest stems as the lower flowers begin opening for maximum vase life.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Column Appleblossom Stock
Height: 24–36 Inches
Spread: 10–14 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color: Blush Pink, Soft Rose & Creamy White
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Cut Flowers, Cottage Gardens, Wedding Gardens, Borders, Fragrance Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Wedding Bouquet Value
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Prefers Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Pastel Garden Color
Harmony Mix Stock is a beautiful blend of compact, fragrant annuals producing dense flower spikes in a harmonious range of white, cream, yellow, pink, rose, lavender, lilac, purple, and crimson shades. This colorful mixture combines the sweet clove fragrance and elegant double blossoms that have made stocks beloved cottage garden flowers for centuries. Blooming during the cool days of spring and early summer, Harmony Mix creates an impressive display in garden beds while providing exceptional cut flowers for fresh bouquets.
Garden Uses:
An excellent choice for cottage gardens, mixed borders, cutting gardens, containers, window boxes, fragrance gardens, and mass plantings. Harmony Mix pairs beautifully with snapdragons, sweet alyssum, Iceland poppies, larkspur, pansies, violas, dianthus, and bachelor's buttons. The wide range of flower colors creates a naturally blended display that requires little additional companion planting.
Growing Information:
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the final spring frost or sow outdoors in early spring while temperatures remain cool. Cover seeds lightly with soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Stocks perform best in cool weather and benefit from regular watering while avoiding soggy soil. Plants typically mature in 10–12 weeks and grow 12–24 inches tall, depending on growing conditions.
Pollinator Value:
The sweetly scented blossoms attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Their abundant nectar provides valuable forage during the early part of the growing season when many pollinators are becoming active.
Natural Garden Benefits:
Harmony Mix supports pollinators while providing season-long beauty in cool-weather gardens. The colorful flower spikes add height, fragrance, and biodiversity to mixed plantings, making them an excellent companion for both annuals and spring-flowering perennials.
Historical Significance:
Stocks have been cultivated since ancient Mediterranean times and were among the most treasured flowers of Victorian gardens, where fragrance was considered just as important as flower color. Mixed strains such as Harmony Mix continue that tradition by combining a broad palette of colors with the unforgettable perfume that has made stocks timeless favorites.
Interesting Facts:
The flowers become noticeably more fragrant during the cool hours of morning and evening. Although admired for their luxurious appearance, stocks are members of the Brassicaceae family, making them close relatives of cabbage, kale, and broccoli. Their cool-weather preference allows gardeners to enjoy abundant blooms before the heat of summer arrives.
Seedman Notes:
Harmony Mix is an excellent selection for gardeners who enjoy a colorful display without choosing individual flower colors. Every planting offers a pleasing blend of pastel and rich tones, while the delightful fragrance transforms spring gardens into wonderfully scented retreats. Cut flowers frequently to encourage additional blooming and enjoy their exceptional vase life indoors.
Quick Facts:
Type: Cool-Season Annual
Botanical Name: Matthiola incana
Common Name: Harmony Mix Stock
Height: 12–24 Inches
Spread: 8–12 Inches
Light: Full Sun
Bloom Time: Spring to Early Summer
Flower Colors: White, Cream, Yellow, Pink, Rose, Lavender, Lilac, Purple & Crimson Mix
Soil: Fertile, Well-Drained
Water: Moderate
Uses: Borders, Containers, Cottage Gardens, Cut Flowers, Fragrance Gardens
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies & Beneficial Insects
Star Ratings:
★★★★★ Fragrance
★★★★★ Garden Color Variety
★★★★★ Cut Flower Quality
★★★★★ Cottage Garden Appeal
★★★★☆ Pollinator Value
★★★★☆ Ease of Growth
★★★☆☆ Heat Tolerance (Best in Cool Weather)
★★★★★ Bouquet Performance
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