Quartet Rainbow Stock Seed

Days to germination

Usually 7–14 days with the mix kept at 65–75°F (18–24°C).

Starting transplants (recommended)

Sow one seed per cell in 128- or 288-cell plug trays, covered lightly (about 1/4"). Plugs are ready to plant out in roughly 5–6 weeks. Stock can also be sown directly once frost danger has passed, but transplants give more even stands.

No pinching

These are single-stem (column) stocks: each plant makes one flower spike. Do not pinch, or the plant will not flower.

Seasons and successions

Stock is a cool-season crop that declines once days run above about 80°F, so plan for spring and fall bloom, or winter bloom in a cool greenhouse or tunnel. Plant a new succession every two weeks for a longer cutting season.

Pests

Stock belongs to the mustard family, so flea beetles feed on it. Cover the plants with row cover on the day you set them out.

Selecting double flowers

Without selection, column stocks typically give a little over half double-flowered plants; the rest are singles, which also make usable stems. Selectable varieties can be sorted at the seed-leaf stage: chill the seedlings at about 40–45°F (4–7°C) for several days, then look for the paler green seedlings with larger, oval seed leaves, which become doubles. Darker green, small or misshapen seedlings will be singles. The cold treatment works only once.

Light

Full sun.

Plant height

18–24".

Spacing and support

Space plants about 4–6" apart. Where it is often rainy, or temperatures stay above about 60°F (16°C), run a horizontal layer of flower netting over the bed to keep the heavy spikes upright.

Hardiness

Grown as an annual.

Stem length

Commonly 24–28" for field-grown column stock; varies by variety and season.

Harvest

Cut when one-third to one-half of the florets on the spike have opened.

Vase life and storage

About 5–10 days in the vase. Hold cut stems at 36–41°F (2–5°C).

Soil

Moderately fertile, well-drained ground; stock does poorly in acidic soil.

Uses

A fragrant cut flower, and the flowers are edible. Also usable in beds, borders and containers, though bloom is short-lived in hot weather.

Scientific name

Matthiola incana

Packet

50 seeds.

Seeds per oz.

About 15,600 on average.