Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk'
stock pillow talk
Forming neat domes of soft, silvery-grey foliage, upright stems carry clusters of waxy white flowers that gently blush to pale pink as they age, creating a subtle two-tone effect over a long season. Perfect for sunny borders, containers or near seating areas, this long season stock is best placed where its scent can be fully appreciated, especially in the evening air.
Often grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk' is easy to grow in well-drained soil and thrives in a bright, open spot. It’s equally at home in a cottage garden setting or as a cut flower, bringing both structure and fragrance indoors with its rich, clove-like fragrance. Deadheading helps prolong flowering, and a light, free-draining soil will keep plants performing at their best.
Often grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Matthiola incana 'Pillow Talk' is easy to grow in well-drained soil and thrives in a bright, open spot. It’s equally at home in a cottage garden setting or as a cut flower, bringing both structure and fragrance indoors with its rich, clove-like fragrance. Deadheading helps prolong flowering, and a light, free-draining soil will keep plants performing at their best.
How to care for Matthiola incana Pillow Talk:
Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil, adding well-rotted compost to the planting area and backfill. Space Matthiola about 30cm (12in) apart to allow good air circulation and reduce the risk of mildew.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Keep watered during dry spells and apply a monthly, liquid, general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. Pinch out the top as they grow to encourage branching and more flower spikes, cutting back the main stem once flowers have faded to encourage side shoots to bloom too.
Sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from March to April or directly outside from April to May once the soil has warmed. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained soil. Sow thinly in drills about 0.5cm (¼in) deep and cover lightly with fine soil. Water gently and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Germination usually takes 7-14 days at temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). Thin seedlings to around 15cm (6in) apart when large enough to handle. This is a fast-growing annual, so sow in succession every few weeks for prolonged flowering through summer. Avoid overfeeding, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.4m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
approx 20 seeds
£2.99
available to order from summer
Unavailable
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