Matthiola incana 'Avalanche'
traditional field-grown column stocks Avalanche White
Tightly packed blooms of snowy-white, many of which will be fully double and perfume the air with a sweet and spicy clove scent on strong, single stems. Traditionally a staple of cottage gardens, stocks have long been popular both for bedding and for providing cut flowers, but ‘Avalanche White’ would look stunning in a dark or metallic pot in a contemporary scheme, endearing itself to a whole new generation of gardeners. A hardy biennial when grown in summer for flowering early in the season of the following year, it is most commonly grown as an annual from a sowing in early spring.
How to care for Matthiola incana Avalanche:
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil, adding well-rotted compost to the planting area and backfill. Space Matthiola about 30cm (12in) apart to allow good air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from March to April or directly outside from April to May once the soil has warmed. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Sow thinly in drills about 0.5cm (¼in) deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.75m
Eventual spread:
0.2m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
approx 100 seeds
£4.49
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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