Matthiola, Winter East Lothian Stocks, 'Vintage Mixture'

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow 2mm deep into moist well-drained seed compost. Do not exclude light. Propagate 16-19°C. Germination takes 10-14 days. Grow on at 10°C, this will allow you to select for doubleness. You should see an obvious colour change, prick out seedlings with a green/yellow colour and discard the dark green ones which will produce only single flowers. Then grow on at 13-18°C. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed with 30cm spacing. Seeds may also be sown in autumn and placed in a cold frame to over winter.

Growing

Prefers moist soil but do not over water. Feed monthly.

Cultivation

Cut flowers regularly to encourage growth and to prolong flowering window. Prone to aphids, treat as required. Generally this plant requires little attention.