Night scented stock for mid summer scent in your garden
Growing Night – Scented Stock: A Guide for Mid-Summer Scent in Your Garden
Gardening is all about planning ahead for upcoming seasons. With a bit of foresight, even the simplest tasks can yield the most delightful results. One of the most rewarding projects we undertake each year is growing night-scented stock, known for its enchanting fragrance during late summer evenings. Here’s how you can enjoy this aromatic plant in your garden.
Sowing Night-Scented Stock
- Timing: Begin sowing night-scented stock seeds in early spring. This gives the plants ample time to grow and be ready to transplant by mid to late summer.
- Sowing Indoors: Fill small pots or seed trays with John Innes Compost No. 1. This type of compost is ideal for young seedlings as it provides a balanced nutrient mix.
- Seed Placement: Sprinkle the seeds thinly on the surface of the compost. Cover them lightly with a fine layer of compost or vermiculite.
- Watering: Water gently to avoid displacing the seeds. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination: Place the pots on a windowsill or in a propagator at a temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Germination typically takes 7-14 days.
Growing in Pots
- Pricking Out: Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, they can be pricked out. This usually occurs when they have at least one set of true leaves. Gently lift the seedlings using a dibber or a similar tool and transplant them into individual pots filled with John Innes Compost No. 1.
- Growing On: Allow the seedlings to grow on in these pots until they are well-established. Keep them in a sunny, sheltered spot, and continue to water them regularly.
- Transplanting: When the seedlings are sturdy and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into flower beds. Choose a location near your summer seating area to fully enjoy their night-time scent.
Sowing Directly into Larger Pots
Alternatively, you can sow seeds directly into larger pots to be used on a patio. Here’s how:
- Pot Preparation: Choose large pots and fill them with John Innes Compost No. 1.
- Direct Sowing: Scatter the seeds evenly across the surface of the compost. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.
- Watering: Water the pots gently to ensure the seeds are moist but not waterlogged.
- Positioning: Place the pots in a sunny location on your patio. This will help the seeds germinate and the plants to grow strong and healthy.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings have emerged and are large enough to handle, thin them out if necessary to prevent overcrowding, allowing the strongest plants to flourish.
Tips for Success
- Sunlight: Night-scented stock thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ensure they receive plenty of light during the day to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
- Feeding: Feed the plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks during the growing season to promote strong growth and flowering.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy the delightful fragrance of night-scented stock in your garden. Planning ahead and taking a little time to nurture these plants can bring a wonderful sensory experience to your summer evenings.
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