How to Winterize Brampton Stock

Overview

Brampton stock, known botanically as matthiola incana and also known colloquially as queen stock and gilly flower is a biennial or perennial flowering plant. Brampton stock is beloved for its tall fluffy blooms that flower in the spring and impart a sweet spicy fragrance. Stock thrives in a full sun exposure and moist soil and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Stock is sensitive to cold as well as heat and will not perform under frost or warm weather conditions. It can be grown as an annual in climates beyond its natural range.

Step 1

Water your brampton stock deeply in the fall several times before the first hard frost hits your region. This will help fortify the plant and the surrounding soil against winter winds and drought conditions. Maintain lightly moist soil throughout the fall and winter, supplementing rainfall with irrigation as needed.

Step 2

Prune back your brampton stock in the fall after the first hard frost to remove any remaining flower spikes, damaged or diseased foliage that may invite disease over the winter. For climates where the top foliage does not overwinter, shear off all of the foliage down to an inch or two above the crown of the plant. Clean up the cuttings and any dropped foliage from the soil to prevent disease and discard them.

Step 3

Mulch around or over the plant crown with at least 3 inches of an organic material that will degrade into and enrich the soil over time. Use compost, shredded bark, cocoa bean hulls or leaf mold for optimal nutrient effect and insulating effect. Extend the mulch blanket at least 6 inches beyond the drip line of your brampton stock all the way around the circumference of the plant.