Mathiola Incana (Stock)

Temperature:
45-50 F

One of my favorite bench plants deliciously fragrant, colors from white through pink to red, and lavender shades. Select either the tall single-stem type (called "column"), or the branching type if you want many flowers on short stems. Blossoms are single or double and may be recognized in the seedling stage if you prefer to cull the single and grow only the double: double-blossom plants have light green leaves, singles have dark green foliage.

Now seeds in August, though flowers may be had for Christmas if additional light is supplied by 40- or 50-watt bulbs in reflectors. For cut flowers through June, make successive sowings every other month August through February. Plant only in sterilized soil to prevent root rot, and watch temperature carefully plants will grow "blind" (will not set buds) if temperature gets up to 60 F.

Space single-stem seedlings 3 inches apart in rows 6 inches apart; branching varieties require 6 inches between plants and at least 8 inches between rows. Grow in full sun; avoid wetting foliage. The column type may require support, as stems often reach 3 feet in height and flower spikes are large and heavy.