Stocks

Stock flowers prefer full sun but can also bloom in partial shade as long as they get a few hours of sun per day. For the healthiest, happiest blooms, plant your stock flowers in a place where they will be bathed in morning sunlight rather than the intense beams of the afternoon sun.

Soil and Water

Stock flowers enjoy rich, moist, well-draining soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (ideally 6.5 to 7.5). Turn the soil about 8 inches deep and mix in some compost if you need to amend your soil before planting (or incorporate some lime if your soil is on the acidic side). You can also top-dress the soil with mulch to keep weeds at bay and help the soil stay evenly moist.

Temperature and Humidity

Stock plants prefer cool, semi-tropical climates and will stop blooming in the summer when temperatures above 65 degrees cause them to wither. They can overwinter in very mild climates and are considered “half-hardy” annuals in some zones where they will withstand one or two frosts.