Today, I decided to get my hands dirty and plant some Matthiola ‘Night Scented Stock’. I’ve always loved the idea of having a garden that not only looks beautiful but also fills the air with a sweet fragrance, especially in the evenings. That’s why I chose this particular plant.
First, I gathered my materials. I needed:
- Seeds of Matthiola ‘Night Scented Stock’
- A seed tray
- Seed starting mix (something light and fluffy)
- A watering can with a fine rose head
- A warm, sunny spot inside my house
Getting Started: Sowing the Seeds
I started by filling the seed tray with the seed starting mix. I made sure not to pack it down too tightly – the little seeds need room to breathe! Then, I sprinkled the tiny Matthiola seeds evenly over the surface. These seeds are super small, so I was careful not to overcrowd them.
After spreading the seeds, I gently pressed them into the soil with my fingers. You don’t want to bury them too deep, just barely cover them. Next, I watered the tray carefully. I used a watering can with a fine rose head to avoid disturbing the seeds. The soil should be moist, but not soaking wet.
Waiting and Watching
I placed the seed tray in a warm, sunny spot on a windowsill. Now, it’s a waiting game! I made sure to check the soil moisture every day. It’s important to keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged, during germination.
A few days later, I saw the first tiny seedlings emerge. It was so exciting! I continued to care for them, making sure they had plenty of light and moisture.
Transplanting
Once the seedlings grew a bit bigger, I decided it was time to transplant. I’d already chosen a good sunny location and carefully selected the correct soil and fertilizer.
I gently separated the seedlings and planted them into individual pots, and watered them in well. My plan is to move them outdoors when weather gets warmer, maybe place them next to my garden or near the outdoor seating area.
That’s it for now! I’m really looking forward to the evening when these plants start blooming and releasing their amazing fragrance. I’ll keep you updated on their progress!
