Evening Scented Stock, 500 Seeds.
Evening scented stock, or Matthiola longipetala, is a hardy annual plant known for its fragrant flowers that bloom in the evening. It features four-petaled flowers in shades of purple to white and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, making it a popular choice for gardens. These petite purple blossoms are typically grown for their potent aromatic fragrance. The blooms appear droopy during daylight hours but uncurl and emit their scent at night. Position this annual plant close to a patio or window for enhanced enjoyment.
Common Names: Night Scented Stock, Perfume Plant, Annual Stock
Latin Name: Matthiola longipetala
Species Origin: Introduced US Wildflower
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual (Will reseed itself)
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 35,000
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Plant Height: 12"-18"
Plant Spacing: 6 - 9"
Color: Pink, Purple
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Other: Attracts bees, birds, & butterflies
Sowing: Begin by sowing Matthiola Longipetala seeds as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. Plant them just beneath the soil surface and maintain moisture until germination, which typically occurs within 10-15 days at temperatures of 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure continuous blooming, sow a new batch of these night-scented stock seeds every four weeks. In regions with mild climates, sow in late fall for blooms in early spring.
Growing: Water the seedlings occasionally until they are well established. While mature plants prefer relatively dry soil, it is important to water them occasionally to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry. Remove wilted flowers to encourage new growth. Although the blossoms remain closed during the day, they open at dusk, releasing a delightful fragrance throughout the night. These flowers emit a stronger scent when cultivated with minimal fertilization and watering.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, select stems with blossoms that have just opened. Remove any foliage that will be submerged in water, and place the stems in water immediately.
Seed Saving: Once the flowers have faded, the Matthiola Longipetala plants will produce long, slender pods. Monitor the pods closely, and remove them from the plant when they change from green to yellow. If allowed to ripen to brown, they will split open and release their seeds. Lay the pods out in a dry area, keeping them loosely covered to catch the seeds that will be released as they dry. Separate the evening-scented stock seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry environment.
