Stocks

If you are a fan of scent in the garden then you have probably already heard of or grown stocks. These plants are heavily scented and come in a great range of colors . Grown as bedding plants they can add colour and interest to the garden but they can also be grown for cutting and brought in to the home. The scent of stocks is beautiful and you will really want to bring the garden indoors this summer if you choose to grow them. If you would like to grow these plants from seed please view our Links page.

How to grow

Fairly undemanding, and great to grow with children, stocks are easy to care for. Ensure that you plant your stocks as soon as possible following their delivery. If you cannot plant immediately water plants well and keep them in a well-lit and cool place until able to plant outdoors. After care is fairly easy and by ensuring plants are regularly watered and fed you will be sure to reap the rewards.

Position

Plant your stocks in a sunny and open site and they will be sure to thrive. Stocks can be planted in beds, borders, and containers and as scented plants you may wish to plant them near to doorways and paths so that you can take full advantage of their perfume. You may wish to provide some shelter from hard winds, which may cause plant damage earlier in the season.

Soil

Stocks will tolerate most soil types and do not demand special attention. For best results ensure that soil is free draining and water retentive so as to get plants off to the best start possible. Incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as garden compost and multi-purpose compost.

Care

Water plants and check containers regularly as these will dry out quickly in summer months. You can reduce the need for watering by adding water retaining gel or an irrigation system. An application of fertilizer will help to encourage healthy growth and strong flowers.

Top Tip

Cut flowers for the home just as buds are about to break and enjoy the great scent throughout the summer. You can even plant your stocks at spaced intervals to ensure that you have a regular supply for the home.

Blue Water Beads

Use Blue Water Beads to match or contrast with your décor. Place them in a clear pretty bowl or decorated plate with an upturned rim. Mix with other contrast colors from your overall color scheme to pull this together as a centerpiece. It will be a real conversation starter!

Clear Water Beads

Use Clear Water Beads when you just want the delivery system without making a color statement. Mix clear Water Beads with a color to create a lighter effect. Layer them with other colors to provide more visual interest.

Green Water Beads

Use Green Water Beads as a nice understory for potted plants, or a neutral color in a clear vase with a multi-colored bouquet. Layer with Clear for a lighter touch.

Melon Water Beads

Use Melon Water Beads to enhance the color of pink or red flowers, or contrast with white ones.

Orange Water Beads

Use Orange Water Beads to spice up a room. This color works well with Southwest style decorating. Layer them with Teal and Clear for a truly stunning display.

Pink Water Beads

Use Pink Water Beads for a light touch of color to complement pink flowers or contrast with white or purple ones. Put them into a clean candle jar with a tight fitting lid and decorate a little girl’s room.

Purple Water Beads

Use Purple Water Beads in urn-shaped vase as an addition to a contemplation nook. Purple is the color of spirituality and calm, so let these beautiful Water Beads become a focal point for your meditative or prayerful practice.

Teal Water Beads

Use Teal Water Beads to complement aqua and teal colored flowers – like those interesting dyed carnations! Combine with orange and white for southwest style decorating. Combine with clear to remind you of Native American turquoise and silver jewelry.