Matthiola (Stock Flower)
The matthiola, also known as stock flower or hoary stock, originates from the eastern Mediterranean region. Stock flowers belongs to the same plant family as cabbage, namely the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae. The stock is named after Pietro Andrea Gregorio Mattioli, a 16th-century Italian botanist. He played a significant role in botany, and this genus of flowers is named in his honor. Another name for the matthiola is stock, a corruption of the Chinese name meaning eternal beauty, love, and I love you.
The stock flower, grown as a cut flower by Middenweg Flowers, is very popular in field bouquets. The matthiola is recognizable by the cup-shaped flowers that grow in clusters of four on the stem. Stocks flowers in a vase emit a delightful sweet scent.
Did you know…
In ancient Rome, stocks were cultivated for their fragrant flowers and ornamental value. In the Middle Ages, the matthiola was reputed for its medicinal properties. Stock flowers were used in herbal mixtures and ointments to treat ailments.
Stock flower care
How do you best care for stocks flowers? Below are the best care tips for the matthiola. Once you have brought these beautiful flowers into your home, you naturally want to enjoy them for as long as possible.
- Cut the stems at an angle. Cutting the stem 1 to 3 cm at an angle allows the flower to absorb water better and stay beautiful in the vase longer.
- Remove excess leaves from the stem. Ensure that no leaves hang in the water, as they can rot and introduce bacteria, shortening the lifespan of your bouquet.
- Use cut flower food. Fill a glass vase with clean water and add some cut flower food. Refresh the water and add new flower food every few days to keep the stocks beautiful for as long as possible.
- Place the vase in the right spot. Stocks do not like drafts, direct sunlight, or being near a heat source. Do not place the vase near a fruit bowl either. Ripening fruit produces ethylene, which speeds up the aging process of flowers.
Matthiola care tips
Should you cut the matthiola’s stem?
Cut the stock flower stem at an angle with a sharp knife. Cutting the stem at an angle helps the stock flower absorb water better, keeping the flowers fresh longer.
Repeat this step every time you refresh the water to enjoy your matthiola longer.
Why should I remove excess leaves from my stock?
Before placing the matthiola incana in the vase, it is advisable to remove excess leaves from the stem. Ensure that no leaves hang in the water, as they can rot and cause bacteria, making the stock flowers last less long in the vase.
How much water do flower stocks need?
Before pouring water into the vase, ensure that the vase is clean and free of bacteria. Fill the vase with sufficient clean water. Clean the vase and refresh the water every few days to extend the stock’s lifespan.
What is the best food for matthiola?
Before placing the flower stock stems in the water, it is advisable to add cut flower food to the water. This contains water uptake enhancers, ensuring the matthiola flowers effectively absorb water and nutrients, keeping them hydrated and fresh. Repeat this step every time you refresh the water.
Where should you place matthiolas?
Place the vase with matthiolas away from drafts, direct sunlight, and heat sources. Stocks also prefer not to be near a fruit bowl.
Why shouldn’t my stocks flowers be near ripe fruit?
If the stock flower is near a fruit bowl, the aging process of the flowers will speed up due to the ethylene gas emitted by ripening fruit.
What is the best vase for my stock flowers bouquet?
Preferably use a glass vase. Glass vases stay cleaner, as bacteria adhere less easily to this smooth surface. You can also easily check with a glass vase if the stock needs fresh water.
Depending on the size of the flower stems, choose a vase with the appropriate height to support the matthiola. Also, choose a vase that provides enough space for the stock.
Is the matthiola toxic?
The matthiola incana is not toxic to humans or animals. However, keep an eye on pets or small children, as excessive consumption of this flower can cause stomach problems.
Lifespan of the matthiola
How long does a matthiola last? Stock flowers can stay beautiful for a relatively long time. A bouquet of stocks can last more than 10 days if properly cared for.
