Iron Pastel Mix – Stock Seed

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Our soft pastel blend is reminiscent of pastel-colored candies and marshmallows. Early single-stem, or column-type stock in a highly uniform series for one-cut harvest. Aptly named for strong, straight, rigid stems. Iron performed well in our spring, early summer, and fall trials. Selectable for doubles and 55% double without selection. Compared to Katz, Iron is slightly later to flower, and has somewhat shorter and thicker stems. Tightly spaced florets on the flower spike make for compact 1 1/2–2" blooms. NOTE: This variety produces one flowering stem per plant. Pinching is not advisable as it will terminate flowering.

• Edible Flowers: The peppery, clove-like flavor of the flowers lends itself well to use as a garnish on salads, desserts, and drinks.

Ht. 24–28". Avg. 16,600 seeds/oz. Packet: 50 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION: 7-14 days at 65-75°F (18-24°C)
SOWING: Transplant (recommended) – Sow ¼" deep into 128-cell plug flats 5-6 weeks before transplanting out into the field or protected structure. Direct seed – After danger of frost. Do not pinch plants. Succession-plant every two weeks for multiple harvests. Stock is a cool-weather crop. Spring and fall-blooming successions are optimal. Stock is a member of the brassica plant family and is susceptible to flea beetle predation. To prevent flea beetle damage, cover plants with row cover at the time of transplanting. SELECTION: Selection for double-flowering plants is a difficult and time-consuming process. For most situations, we recommend finding a use for the single-flowering plants rather than conducting selection. Chilling seedlings causes visual differences that allow you to select for double-flowered plants by observing color, size, and shape of the cotyledon. While in the cotyledon stage, expose the seedlings to temperatures of 40-45°F (4-7°C) for 3-4 days. Select lighter green seedlings with an oval shape; these will produce double flowers. Discard very small seedlings, ones that are darker green in color, and those with rounder shaped cotyledons; these will produce single flowers. See our Stock Production Guide #8227 for more details and information on selection.
LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT: Varies.
PLANT SPACING: 6" Trellis, such as Hortonova, used as horizontal support, is necessary when the temperatures are consistently above 60°F (16°C) or where it rains frequently.
HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.
STEM LENGTH: 24-28".
VASE LIFE: 5-10 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE: 36-41°F (2-5°C).
HARVEST: Fresh – Harvest when ⅓–½ the florets on the stem are open.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Well-drained, moderately rich soil.
USES: Excellent cut flower. Edible flower. Beds, borders, and containers.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Matthiola incana