Stock (Matthiola incana) is one of the most fragrant and romantic flowers you can add to an arrangement. With its tall, densely packed spikes of ruffled blooms and intoxicating sweet scent, it adds incredible texture, height, and fragrance to bouquets, centerpieces, and event designs. It's a favorite for weddings and a wonderful choice for anyone who loves a beautifully scented arrangement.

Like all of our flowers, stock is not ready to display the moment it arrives. The blooms need a little time to hydrate and open up after their journey. Get them into fresh water right away and give them time to settle in.

A Note on Scent

Stock has a naturally strong, sweet fragrance that many people absolutely love. In large quantities, the scent can be quite pronounced and will fill a room. If you are sensitive to strong floral scents or are using stock in an enclosed space, keep this in mind when planning your quantities. It's part of what makes stock so special, but it's good to be prepared!

What You'll Need

• A clean vase
• Fresh, cool water
• Floral preservative (recommended)
• Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

1. Unpack promptly. Remove your stock from the packaging as soon as it arrives and let it breathe.
2. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to improve water uptake.
3. Remove lower foliage. Strip all leaves that would sit below the waterline. Stock foliage decays quickly in water and can cause the water to become cloudy and smelly, so be thorough with this step.
4. Fill your vase. Use clean, cool water with floral preservative. The preservative helps keep the water fresh and fuels the opening of the blooms along the stem.
5. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time. Stock is particularly sensitive to bacteria in the water, so keeping the water fresh is especially important.
6. Keep in a cool spot. Stock lasts longest in a cool environment away from direct sunlight, heat vents, and ripening fruit.

Pro Tips

• Blooms open from the bottom up: Stock blooms open gradually from the base of the spike upward. As the lower blooms fade, simply remove them and enjoy the fresh blooms continuing to open above.
• Keep the water very clean: Stock is more prone to bacterial buildup than many other flowers. Changing the water frequently and keeping the vase clean will make a noticeable difference in how long it lasts.

Florist Secret

Stock stems can get slimy at the base fairly quickly, which blocks water uptake. When you change the water, take a moment to gently wipe the bottom of each stem with a clean cloth or paper towel before re-trimming and placing them back in fresh water. This simple extra step keeps the stems clean and drinking well, and can significantly extend the life of your stock!

How Long Will They Last?

With proper care, stock typically lasts around 5 to 7 days in a vase. Keeping the water very clean and the temperature cool is the key to getting the most out of every stem. With extra attention, they may last even longer.