Growing stocks for summer colour and summer scent
Enhance Your Summer Garden with Stocks: A Guide to Vibrant Colors and Sweet Scents
As spring transitions into summer, gardeners eagerly anticipate the blossoming of vibrant flowers and the fragrant scents that fill the air. Among the myriad of options to adorn your garden, English stocks stand out as a classic choice for both their colourful blooms and delightful fragrance. In this guide, we’ll explore how to grow these traditional favourites for a summer garden bursting with beauty and scent.
Starting with Seeds
The journey of growing English stocks begins with sowing seeds. Traditionally, the early days of spring mark the perfect time to sow these seeds in pots. Opt for pots filled with John Innes number one compost, known for its nutrient-rich composition ideal for seedlings. The process of starting from seeds allows for a deeper connection with the plants as they flourish under your care.
Relishing in Summer Color
English stocks are renowned for their ability to infuse gardens with reliable summer colour. With proper care and attention, these plants yield an array of blooms in hues ranging from soft pastels to vibrant shades. Whether nestled among other garden treasures or showcased in dedicated flower beds, stocks add a touch of elegance and charm to any outdoor space.
Bringing Scent Indoors
One of the most alluring qualities of English stocks is their enchanting scent, reminiscent of warm summer evenings. As the flowers bloom, they release a captivating fragrance that permeates the air, inviting you to linger and savor the moment. For those who appreciate the beauty of cut flowers indoors, stocks make an excellent choice, infusing living areas with their sweet perfume.
Exploring Night-Scented Varieties
In addition to traditional English stocks, consider adding night-scented stocks to your garden repertoire. While these varieties may not boast the flamboyant blooms of their daytime counterparts, they more than make up for it with their enchanting fragrance. As dusk settles in, the small, delicate flowers release a sweet scent that transforms summer evenings into sensory experiences to cherish.
Companion Planting for Pest Control
To ensure your stocks thrive throughout the season, consider companion planting with calendula. Calendula, with its cheerful blooms and herbal properties, acts as a natural deterrent for pests like black fly that may plague your stocks. By strategically sowing and placing calendula seeds in pots near your stocks, you create a harmonious environment where plants support and protect one another, fostering healthy growth and also support beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybirds
As you embark on your journey to cultivate a summer garden brimming with colour and scent, English stocks emerge as timeless allies in your horticultural endeavours. From their humble beginnings as seeds to their magnificent blooms and fragrant perfumes, stocks captivate the senses and elevate the beauty of any outdoor space. With a little care and attention, these beloved flowers reward gardeners with a season of joy, enchantment, and natural splendour.
