Stocks

Stocks

Growing them from seed

Stock double flowering

Gardening is like the art of cooking. What you know you learn from your parents or grandparents. Knowledge is passed down from generation to generation .Sadly we now live in a fast paced society where there isn’t the time or inclination to stop and smell the roses. So how many of todays youngsters will ever learn or even care that Stock plants bear either single or double flowers. This trivial little bit of information does matter because although gardeners want the large double flowers in their bedding displays the plant they must nurture to the end of the season is the single flowering specimen because this is the seed bearing plant .Stock plants have been bred to give a large percentage of plants will give double flowers. But to ensure the continuity of the strain a small percentage will flower as singles. Long seed pods form from these flowers and the pods can take months to mature. Sow the seed as soon as it ripens. Expect a high percentage of double flowered stock and pray for at least one single. There is so pleasure gained from collecting and sowing your own seed.

The white stock in the photo are taken in my garden from plants given to me by a keen gardening friend. She has had this stock strain for at least 20 years and wisely given plants to gardening friends. That way hopefully the strain will never be lost. It is incredibly fragrant and forms a large solid bush .Luckily I got one single among six plants.

Stock single flowered seed bearing plant