Virginia Stock Mix

Virginia Stock Mix brings a burst of color and fragrance to any garden, with its delicate, dainty flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and lavender. Growing to a compact height of 6-12 inches, it is perfect for small spaces, rock gardens, or as a filler between larger plants. This easy-to-grow annual that creates a soft, meadow-like effect in beds, borders, and containers. Blooming quickly from seed, Virginia Stock Mix provides nearly instant gratification for gardeners eager to see results. Its sweet fragrance attracts bees and butterflies, making it a pollinator-friendly choice. Virginia Stock Mix is drought-tolerant and adaptable to various conditions, making it both low-maintenance and rewarding for any beginner gardener. Whether used as a ground cover, edging plant, or cut flower for petite arrangements, its versatility and charm makes it a fantastic addition.

Also Known As: Malcolmia Maritima, Virginia Gillyflower, Malcolmia Littorea, Sea Stock, Annual Stock, Malcolmia Striata, Virginia Flower, Coastal Stock, Fragrant Stock, Mediterranean Stock.

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 12 inches apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms, you may optionally cold-stratify seeds for at least 30 days then start planting indoors in containers 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings at least 65F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors in a sunny location when temperatures are consistently above 60F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Virginia Stock after the first hard frost in early Spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 60F. Fall planting is not recommended unless planting outdoors in environments with mild, frost-free winters, or planting indoors with supplemental grow lights. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 4-6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can separated and spaced 4-6 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Care During the Season:

Virginia Stock enjoys regular watering but avoid overwatering, as it prefers slightly dry conditions. A light application of balanced fertilizer early in the growing season promotes healthy blooms, though it generally thrives in average soil. Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming, keeping the plant looking fresh and vibrant. Since it self-seeds easily, leaving some flowers to go to seed ensures a natural reappearance the following season.