Stock Flowers (Matthiola Incana): The Worst Name for One of the Best Flowers We Grow

Stock Flowers (Matthiola): The Worst Name for One of the Best Flowers We Grow

Let’s talk about stock for a minute.

First of all, the name is terrible.
Stock might be the worst name for one of the most beautiful (and definitely, the best smelling) flowers we grow on the farm.

If you’ve ever walked into the hoophouse when stock is blooming, you know exactly what I mean. The scent stops you in your tracks. It’s rich, spicy sweet, and old fashioned in the best way. There is nothing else on the farm quite like it.

Last season we grew over 1,500 stock plants, and it ended up being one of our most successful crops. Not because it was easy (it wasn’t), but because it proved that some flowers are worth the effort.

Why Stock Is Amazing to Grow in Zone 3

Stock thrives in cool conditions, which already makes it a strong contender for zone 3 flower farms. Unlike heat loving summer annuals, stock actually prefers cooler temperatures and rewards you for early season bravery.

Here’s why it works so well here:

• Cold tolerance: Stock can handle light frosts and cool nights better than most cut flowers.

• Early blooms: When planted early, stock blooms in mid June, filling that awkward gap before summer crops hit their stride.

• Excellent vase life: Typically 7–10 days when harvested at the right stage.

• Unmatched fragrance: This is a flower people remember. Customers comment on it every single time.

In a climate where the growing season is short and intense, stock shows up early, performs reliably, and leaves a lasting impression.

The Honest Truth: Stock Is a One-and-Done Flower

Here’s the part I always make sure to say out loud:

Stock is not a cut-and-come-again flower.
You get one stem per plant. That’s it.

No second flush.
No redemption cut.
No “maybe it’ll bounce back.”

Which means you really have to want it.

Every plant you grow is a single, intentional stem. That reality changes how you plan, how many you plant, and how much space you’re willing to dedicate. For us, the answer is still yes, every time.

Is Stock the Same as Evening Scented Stock?

No, and this matters.

• Cut flower stock (Matthiola incana) is what we grow for bouquets. It has thick, sturdy stems, dense flower spikes, and strong vase life.

• Evening scented stock (Matthiola longipetala) is grown primarily for fragrance in the garden. It has finer stems, looser flowers, and is not suitable as a commercial cut flower.

They’re related, but they serve very different purposes. If you’re growing for bouquets, make sure your seed specifically says Matthiola incana.

Do You Need a High Tunnel or Hoophouse to Grow Stock?

In zone 3? No. 

Could stock survive outdoors with perfect timing and weather luck? We think so, and this year we are trying it. The hoophouse is what makes early planting possible and predictable, but an outside crop will allow us a longer stock harvest. This is called succession planting, at its finest.

Last season (2025):

• We started stock March 13 in 128-cell trays. Grew them indoors, under lights in a heated shop.

• Planted them into the hoophouse on April 12

• Covered rows with frost cloth anytime temperatures dipped below –5°C

• Then uncovered

• Then covered again

• And again

Was it a pain? Absolutely.
Was it worth it? Without question.

When to Start Stock in Zone 3

Stock likes a long, cool start.

Our timing looked like this:

• Seed starting: Mid-March

• Transplanting: Mid-April (protected)

• Blooming: Mid-June

The key is avoiding heat during early growth. Stock that experiences too much warmth early on will stretch, flower too quickly, or produce weaker stems.

How We Start Stock (Step by Step)

This is our process, founded through trial, error, and a lot of cold nights:

1. Start seeds indoors in 128-cell trays

2. Use a fine seed-starting mix and keep soil evenly moist

3. Germinate at cool room temperatures (no bottom heat needed)

4. Harden off carefully, stock dislikes sudden temperature swings

5. Transplant into a protected hoophouse early. 4" spacing.

6. Be prepared to row cover aggressively when temperatures drop

Stock rewards patience, attention, and consistency. It does not tolerate neglect.

What to Watch Out For

Stock is generous, but not forgiving.

Things to keep an eye on:

• Heat stress: Too much warmth = poor quality

• Bolting: Often caused by temperature fluctuations

• Spacing: Crowding leads to weaker stems

• Timing: Late planting almost always disappoints

This is a flower that demands intention from day one.

Why We Will Always Make Room for Stock

Stock asks a lot.
But it gives something back that few flowers can.

It shows up early.
It smells incredible.
It stops people mid sentence.

We had stock blooming by mid June, and I’d do it all over again.

If you snagged a stock bouquet last year, you already know.

And if you didn’t, there’s always next season 🌸

Are you planting stock this year?