Stock
Matthiola incanafam. Brassicaceae
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Pl. BD0F — Matthiola incana
Matthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incanaMatthiola incana
IOverview
Overview
Stock (Matthiola incana) is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Corsica, France, Greece, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, and Yugoslavia. This plant is valued for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, and seedpods. Stock thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7, making it adaptable to various growing conditions. Its subshrub or herbaceous habit and height of up to 0.6 meters make it an attractive ornamental choice. One distinctive feature is its light requirement, as it has an energy level rating of 8 out of 10, indicating a preference for ample sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Stock?
Stock (Matthiola incana) is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Corsica, France, Greece, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, and Yugoslavia. This plant is valued for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, and seedpods.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Stock (Matthiola incana) thrives in well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types with a pH between 6.5 and 7. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate drier soil once established. Plant it in full sun to partial shade for best results. Stock is hardy in temperate regions, generally zones 5-9. Propagate by seed sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors. Harvest edible parts including flowers, leaves, and seedpods throughout the growing season.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Stock for the first time
8steps
Start with Stock as an easy-to-grow annual for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that gets full sun. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep, spaced about 15 cm apart. Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart after they grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and protect from strong winds until plants are established.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead flowers to promote more blooms and remove any yellowing leaves for better plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to pinch back stems, not protecting from strong winds, and waiting too long to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedpod
Edible uses: The flowers, leaves, and seedpods of Stock (Matthiola incana) are edible. Typically, the leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The flowers and seedpods are often used fresh in culinary applications. Skip the seeds for consumption; instead, use them for their ornamental value.
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 21 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 21 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 9 native· 21 introduced
Europe9 regions
native (5)AlbaniaFranceGreeceItalySpain
introduced (4)BulgariaCyprusRussiaUnited Kingdom
Americas3 regions
introduced (3)BoliviaColombiaEcuador
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaLibya
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia
introduced:East Aegean Is., Illinois, Juan Fernández Is., Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Czechoslovakia, Norfolk Is., South Australia, Tasmania, Texas, Turkey-in-Europe, Victoria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Brassicaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Brassicaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · bd0feab2-307f-4d99-98f3-0f5f966b053f
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