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Biennial stocks Matthiola Incana - not very big
Hello,
I am starting my first cut flower patch and have included some stocks, which I sowed in the early spring, expecting them to flower next year. The packet said that they needed to be spaced quite widely, suggesting that they would spread a bit. But every one has grown just one stalk, about 6-8 inches tall. They look healthy but are not growing much. The other flowers in patch are doing much better. Half of of the stocks are now flowering on their one stalk. Presumably I should have pinched them out earlier? Or sowed them in the Autumn? Is it too late to pinch them out? If I cut the flowering ones down low so that I can at least enjoy a few in a vase, will they grow back? I intend to sow more in October anyway. Thanks for any thoughts.
I am starting my first cut flower patch and have included some stocks, which I sowed in the early spring, expecting them to flower next year. The packet said that they needed to be spaced quite widely, suggesting that they would spread a bit. But every one has grown just one stalk, about 6-8 inches tall. They look healthy but are not growing much. The other flowers in patch are doing much better. Half of of the stocks are now flowering on their one stalk. Presumably I should have pinched them out earlier? Or sowed them in the Autumn? Is it too late to pinch them out? If I cut the flowering ones down low so that I can at least enjoy a few in a vase, will they grow back? I intend to sow more in October anyway. Thanks for any thoughts.
Carmarthenshire (mild, wet, windy). Loam over shale, very slightly sloping, so free draining. Mildly acidic or neutral.
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