Pruning guide
How to prune stock
Best time
Deadhead promptly as flower spikes fade, spring to early summer
How often
As needed during the flowering season
Technique
Snip spent flower spikes just above the next side shoot or leaf node. Avoid cutting into old woody growth, which sprouts poorly.
More stock care
Pruning stock — FAQ
When should I prune stock?
Deadhead promptly as flower spikes fade, spring to early summer. Snip spent flower spikes just above the next side shoot or leaf node. Avoid cutting into old woody growth, which sprouts poorly.
How often does stock need pruning?
As needed during the flowering season. Stock (Matthiola incana) needs only light deadheading to tidy the plant; its main flowering period is relatively short and plants do not reliably reflower after cutting back. Remove faded flower spikes to the nearest side shoot to encourage secondary blooms. Once the main flush is over, most gardeners replace plants rather than cutting back hard.
How do you prune stock?
Snip spent flower spikes just above the next side shoot or leaf node. Avoid cutting into old woody growth, which sprouts poorly.