11 / RESEARCH
TAKING STOCK Andy Whelton outlines the main actions in the production of the popular scented cut flower, Stock, following recent trial work
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cented or Column Stock (Matthiola incana) is a member of the cabbage family (Brassicaceae) and native to the Canary Islands and parts of southern Europe (Mediterranean). Given the interest from retailers and florists for Irish cut flowers, Teagasc Horticultural Development Department carried out trials in an unheated protected structure to determine suitability for production.
SITE AND FACILITIES In its native habitat, Stock is hardy and grows in full sun on free-draining, slightly alkaline soils. A side ventilated polytunnel in a free draining mineral loam soil of pH 6 was used for our trial. A glasshouse would be equally suitable. Overhead irrigation or ground level trickle tape irrigation is necessary in aiding establishment after planting and during the vegetative
growth phase of the crop. A layer of wire support to keep the stems straight, circulation fans and cold store facility for post-harvest storage are also important. Soil sterilisation prior to planting is recommended to ensure freedom from weeds and soil pathogens. A soil analysis should also be taken prior to planting to determine precise nutrition requirements - base dressings of Nitrogen (N) as Calcium Ammonium Nitrogen can be applied at up to 8 kg/100m2. Crops can be given extra feeding in the form of top dressing or liquid feeding as necessary. The crop is generally grown on the flat where a 1m wire mesh (12.5cm x 12.5cm) is rolled out over the bed and stakes placed at 2.5m-3m intervals. The stakes and wire mesh support the crop as it grows. Stock can be grown at 70-80plants/ m2. Ensure transplants are not planted too deeply and water well in to ensure good contact with the soil.
RANGE OF COLOURS Stock varieties for the cut flower market have been bred to produce double flowers along the flower stem or ‘column’ in a range of colours. The ones used in the trials were: Aida – White; Carmen – Yellow; Figaro – Lavender; Figaro – Rose Light – Pink and Opera Francesca – Rouge. Module plants were purchased from specialist Dutch plant raiser: Florensis BV.
CROP CONTINUITY To ensure continuous cropping, it is important to understand crop scheduling techniques. Production time of Stock crops will vary depending on planting dates and weather conditions. Warm weather will reduce crop production time, however, hot weather can induce flowering before plant stems
'FIGARO' IS A POPULAR LAVENDER COLOURED VARIETY OF STOCK.
Experience suggests that a net return of €6/m2 is achievable from the crop with a supply of regular volume over at least 15 weeks.” Summer 2020 / www.horticultureconnected.ie / HORTICULTURECONNECTED
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