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Known for their luscious scent, Stock Flowers (or Virginia Stock Flowers) are a florist favorite annual flowering plant native to the southwestern region of Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean. The stock flowers biological name is Malcolmia Martima and lives under the genus Malcolmia. This flower is housed under the family Brassicaceae, which also houses the mustard plant genus.
This fragrant flower is easily recognizable with its 4-petaled flower heads that grow flat open on sturdy, erect stems. The flower heads generally show up in beautiful shades of whites, yellows, pinks, purples and reds. This romantic flower stands around 12-18 inches tall, unless they are dwarf stock flowers, which grow around 8-12 inches tall. The leaves tend to be long and slender in medium to light green hues.
Growing stock is perfect for both experienced and novice gardeners alike. Preferring cool but humid weather, this flower does very well in coastal areas where temperatures do not get too high. They love to be in full sun with well-draining soil. Make sure the soil is rich with fertilizer when you initially plant them and then fertilize these flowers once a month after. The soil should be kept moist, so it is recommended to water these flowers once to twice weekly, depending on weather conditions. Gardeners should not have to worry about insects, pests or a disease with this plant as it is does not commonly attract them.
Florists love adding this flower to mixed bouquets when they want to include a sincere meaning of love and affection. Stock flowers are not thought to be a romantically loving flower though, so it is safe to send them to mom, grandparents or even a friend. Stocks also indicate the meaning of wished happiness to the recipient, so they are perfect toy send for any occasion.
Also visit our Stock Life Cycle page.
