Stock in Zone 3a & 3b

Matthiola incana

When to plant stock in zone 3b

Zones 3a and 3b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Stock needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.

Start indoorsApr 18–Apr 25
Direct sow / transplant outsideMay 30–Jun 6
Estimated bloomAug 18–Aug 25 (~80 days after transplanting)

Spacing: 2 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 2-2.5 ft.

Stock
Photo: Phil Sellens from East Sussex via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped.

Stock produces dense, fragrant flower spikes in a wide color range, prized as a cut flower for both the look and the scent. It's a member of the brassica family, related to cabbage and broccoli, which shows up in the pests it has to deal with more than in its appearance.

How stock fits zone 3's season

Zone 3b's frost-free window runs about 98 days, from May 30 to September 5. Stock needs about 80 days from transplant to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Stock.

Where to buy stock seeds

See why we recommend these suppliers →

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing stock" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

← Back to the full zone 3b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

Growing Stock in USDA zone 3b

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Growing Stock in USDA zone 3b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.

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