How to grow stock for a beautiful Bucket of Spring Blooms

Hello Friends of the Garden,

Happy April, Happy Spring!

Today we are chatting about how easy it is to grow stock for a bucket of blooms for Spring!

How To Grow Stock For Spring Bouquets

• Stock is a cool weather crop which lends itself to a Spring or Fall bloom for the home gardener and small flower farmer.

• Stock grows best in cold temperatures.

• Here on Sunnydell I start my stock in propagation trays in February under grow lights, then I transplant them into the greenhouse at 6 weeks.

• Sow seeds 1/4 of inch deep.

• Cover seeds with vermiculite.

• Maintain consistent moisture and air ventilation.

• Days to germination 7-14 days.

• In milder climates Stock seeds may be directly sown into the ground after all danger of Frost has past and if water levels can be perfectly maintained.

• Succession planting is an ideal method to insure continuting blooms all throughout the cooler growing seasons in your particular climate.

Pros of Growing Stock

1. Fragrance is absolutley wonderful

2. Wonderful for Spring arrangements

3. Long vase life 7-10 days

4. Beautiful Colors

5. Ruffled blooms

6. Cottage garden vibe

7. Grow in containers, gardens and raised beds

Cons of Growing Stock

1. Once they bloom they are finished

2. Stock will not survive if temperatures dip below 30 degrees or above 60 degrees.

3. They do not tolerate humidity well

4. Most common diseases are fungal

Personal thoughts on growing Stock

This is my second year for growing stock and I have had great success growing these gorgeous blooms for a variety of reasons.

1. Extended cool temperatures

2. Start growing early in the season.

3. Transplant seedlings into raised beds in greenhouse.

Thank you for joining me today and may your gardening adventures be many!

As ever,

Jemma