How to Protect Brampton Stock

Overview

The Latin name of Brampton stock is Matthiola, although it is known as garden stock, ten-week stock or gillyflower. Considered a hardy annual or biennial, they grow from 15 to 36 inches tall and produce flower spikes in a range of colors, including blue, pink, purple, yellow, red and white. Due to their heady fragrance, stock is grown as cut flowers or can be left planted in mass in a garden. Protecting stock will give gardens a lovely display of blooms in the early spring.

Step 1

Protect the Brampton stock from weeds. A two-inch layer of mulch reduces the growth of weeds, or a herbicide can be used. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst Extension recommends the herbicide bensulide to control crabgrass, annual bluegrass, other annual grasses and a few broadleaf weeds for three to four months. Ornamentals need to be well-established before the application of bensulide.

Step 2

Prevent Brampton stock from damage by the caterpillars of cabbage butterflies, which can strip the leaves from the flowers. Remove the caterpillars by hand or spray with the insecticide permethrin.

Step 3

Use a plant support on the taller varieties of stock to prevent damage from strong winds. You can also secure the plants to stakes, using twine.