Cinderella Vivid Stock Seeds

Growing Cinderella Vivid Stock from Seed in Jordan

1. About the seeds and plants

Cinderella Vivid stock (Matthiola incana) is a winter-flowering plant with dense, vividly coloured, strongly fragrant flowers. It is ideal for gardens and landscaped areas and is commonly grown as an annual in mild-winter regions such as Jordan.

Main benefits

• Attractive flowers in varied colours, suited to gardens and floral arrangements.
• Strong fragrance that attracts butterflies and bees.
• Cold tolerance makes it ideal for winter growing.
• Easy to grow from seed and needs little care.

2. Detailed growing guide

A. Soil preparation — 10 days before planting

• Use well-drained light loamy or sandy soil.
• A soil pH of 6.0–7.5 supports healthy growth.
• Improve the soil with 3–5 kg of organic fertiliser per square metre.
• Work and turn the soil thoroughly for aeration.

B. Equipment

• A garden spade for soil preparation.
• High-quality Cinderella Vivid stock seeds.
• Drip irrigation or a hand-held water sprayer.
• Garden shears for removing faded flowers.

C. Sowing — September–December (9–12)

• Sow onto the soil surface and cover with a very light layer of soil or sand.
• Leave 15–20 cm between seeds for good ventilation.
• Leave 30–40 cm between rows.
• Water immediately after sowing to maintain moisture.

D. Germination — 7–14 days after sowing

• Seeds require 15–22°C for successful germination.
• Keep the soil moist without saturation.
• After seedlings emerge, gradually reduce watering to prevent root rot.

E. Plant care — months 1–5

• Watering: water moderately every 3–5 days and avoid overwatering.
• Feeding: use balanced NPK 20-20-20, as detailed below.
• Pruning: remove faded flowers to encourage continued flowering.
• Weeding: remove weeds by hand regularly.

F. Flowering — months 3–6

• Stock begins flowering 8–10 weeks after sowing.
• Pick mature flowers to encourage the plant to continue flowering.

3. Fertiliser programme — NPK 20-20-20

Base dressing — 10 days before planting

Add 3–5 kg of organic fertiliser per square metre to improve the soil.

Feeding during growth

• Month 1: apply 10 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre after seedlings emerge.
• Month 2: apply 15 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre to promote vegetative growth.
• Month 3: apply 20 g of NPK 20-20-20 per square metre to support flowering.
• Months 4 and 5: apply 10 g of NPK 20-20-20 every 2 weeks to maintain flowering.

4. Common pests and problems

• Aphids: cause distorted leaves and stalled growth. Spray horticultural soap or Actara.
• Red spider mites: cause yellowing leaves. Use neem oil or abamectin.
• Powdery mildew: appears as white patches. Use Score or Topas.
• Root rot: caused by overwatering. Improve drainage and reduce watering.

5. Tips for successful growing in Jordan

• Best planting period: September–December (9–12) for healthy growth.
• Provide full sun for 6–8 hours daily.
• Avoid overwatering, as saturated soil causes root rot.
• Continually remove faded flowers to encourage new blooms.

Stock is a rewarding winter ornamental with dense, fragrant flowers. Balanced watering, suitable NPK 20-20-20 feeding and pest management support abundant flowering over a long period.