Stock StoX Azaleas Patch Mix

We recommend sowing seeds in seed trays during the following months: January, February, March (for spring flowering) or July, August (for autumn harvest). Place 1 to 2 seeds in each cell of the seed tray. Sow them directly onto the surface of the substrate, as they need light to germinate. Instead of covering them with soil, just lightly cover them with a thin layer of vermiculite, which will help maintain optimal moisture.

We do not recommend direct sowing for this stock. The plants must always be started indoors in seed trays. This pre-cultivation process usually takes 3 to 6 weeks (generally 4–5 weeks), until the seedlings are strong enough to be moved outdoors to their final location.

At an ideal temperature of 18–22 °C, the seeds will germinate very quickly, usually in 4 to 8 days. However, be very careful about overheating! If the temperature rises above 25 °C, the germination rate of the seeds will decrease significantly.

To achieve an even distribution of all those beautiful pink, salmon, and fuchsia shades, we strongly recommend sowing the entire packet of seeds at once. If you only sow a portion, you might accidentally miss out on some specific color variations.

Matthiola incana 'StoX Azaleas Patch' is a stunning annual that will enchant you with its rich shades of pink, salmon, and fuchsia. This mix was created to resemble a blooming azalea bed. The StoX series stands out for its robust stems and, unlike other stocks, it tolerates slightly higher temperatures better.

Although this seed packet contains a very high percentage of seeds that will grow into beautiful double-flowered stocks, occasionally plants with single flowers will appear. In the past, attempts were made to select seedlings, but this is a very demanding process with uncertain results. The best approach is to plan for a portion of the plants to be single-flowered and cleverly incorporate them into bouquets as an interesting feature.

Harvesting stock has its own small specifics. The best way to get flowers for a vase is to pull the entire plant out of the flowerbed, roots and all. Leave the cleaned roots on the plant; this will significantly extend its vase life. At home, don't forget to change the water very frequently so it stays fresh as long as possible. However, these flowers are not suitable for drying.

Stocks thrive best in full sun or partial shade. Regarding the soil, provide them with well-draining, loamy, and humus-rich soil. Water retention at the roots does not suit the plants, so well-draining soil is the key to success.

Definitely! Stocks are renowned among gardeners for their amazing, intensely spicy fragrance that will scent your entire garden. At the same time, the plant attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, and butterflies.

Yes, the stock is very hardy and frost-resistant down to -5 °C, so it can handle colder spring and autumn mornings without any problems. However, before transplanting to the flower bed, it is necessary to harden off the young seedlings – regularly take them outside in their trays so they can gradually get used to harsher outdoor conditions and grow sufficiently strong.

We have great news for you! The stock is non-toxic, so it is completely safe to grow in families with children or pets. It even belongs to the category of edible flowers, so you can safely decorate spring salads or festive desserts with its petals.

During cultivation, stocks can be troubled by pests such as pollen beetles and flea beetles, which enjoy feeding on the leaves or flower buds. Regarding fungal diseases, the plant is more susceptible to powdery mildew. Especially during wetter periods, try to keep the planting well-ventilated.