Stock (Matthiola Longipeta) Evening Scented Stock, Perfume Plant 3000 Seeds You might not look twice at this low growing plant with small purple flowers. During the day the blossoms appear wilted and insignificant, but become beautifully fragrant in the evening. Plant them among other flowers near a patio or window to enjoy the night perfume. Very cold-resistant, growing well even in zone 1. About Evening Scented Stock: Originally from the countries of Portugal and Spain, this wildflower is one of a favorite garden variety known as stock, usually cultivated for their strong, perfumed scent. In medieval England, flowers such as this were known as gillyflowers. This particular flower looks wilted during the day, but begins to bloom and produce its fragrance in the evening and through the night. The genus name Matthiola honors a 16th century botanist named Pietro Andrea Mattioli, who identified many plants for medicine and science. Evening Scented Stock Germination: Sow seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Planting just below the surface of the soil and keep moist until germination, which usually occurs within 10-15 days at 60-65 degrees F. For continuous blooming, plant a new crop every 4 weeks. In mild climates, sow in late fall for early spring blooms. Growing Evening Scented Stock Seeds: Water seedlings occasionally until they become established. Though mature plants prefer fairly dry soil, water them occasionally to prevent the soil from entirely drying out. Remove wilted blossoms for new growth. Though the blossoms remain closed during the day, they open at the end of the day and produce a lovely fragrance all night long. These flowers actually produce a stronger scent when grown without much fertilization or watering. Harvesting Evening Scented Stock: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately. Saving Evening Scented Stock Seeds: After the flowers fade, these plants produce long, thin pods. Watch the pods carefully, removing them from the plant when they turn from green to yellow. If left to ripen to brown, they will split and release their seeds. Spread out the pods in a dry location, keeping them loosely covered to contain the seeds that will be released as the pods dry. Separate the seeds from the pods and store the seeds in a cool, dry place.