Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis
night-scented stock
Ideal for adding fragrance to summer evenings, this fast-growing annual produces loose sprays of small pale lilac to soft pink flowers that open in the evening and release a strong, sweet scent. Plants have a naturally sprawling habit with grey-green foliage and look best grown in groups or informal drifts.
Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis is easy to grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, and works well in containers, window boxes or the front of borders. It flowers over a long period in summer and is best sown in succession for continued performance. Suitable for wildlife gardens and low-maintenance spaces, and the edible flowers can also be used to garnish salads or desserts.
Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis is easy to grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, and works well in containers, window boxes or the front of borders. It flowers over a long period in summer and is best sown in succession for continued performance. Suitable for wildlife gardens and low-maintenance spaces, and the edible flowers can also be used to garnish salads or desserts.
How to care for Matthiola longipetala subsp. bicornis:
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:
0.5m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
approx 100 seeds
£2.99
available to order from autumn
Unavailable
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