Stock Hot Cakes Mix

Plant Description

Matthiola incana ‘Hot Cakes Mix’ is a dwarf, highly branched stock variety selected for compact growth and abundant double blooms. Flowers are fragrant, with spicy-sweet notes, in shades of pink, lavender, cream, white, and burgundy. Foliage is grey-green, narrow, and slightly woolly.

Hardiness / Grow Zones

Grown as an annual in most climates, suitable for USDA zones 3 through 10. In colder zones it is strictly annual, while in warmer zones it may act as a biennial or short-lived perennial.

Size (Height & Spread)

Plants typically reach 10 to 16 inches tall with a spread of 6 to 8 inches. Compact habit makes it ideal for borders, beds, and containers.

Native Range & Uses

Native to the Mediterranean region, stock has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental. The Hot Cakes mix is used in garden beds, borders, containers, and as a fragrant cut flower. Its scent also makes it popular for planting near walkways and seating areas.

Light Requirements

Thrives in full sun but benefits from partial afternoon shade in hot climates. Too much shade can reduce flowering.

Soil & Drainage

Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Heavy soils should be amended with compost or sand to improve drainage. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Water Requirements

Needs consistent, even moisture. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid soggy soil. Water at the base of the plant to minimize disease risk.

Growth & Blooming

Blooms in early to late spring, sometimes into early summer. In mild climates, fall planting produces winter to spring flowers. Stock performs best in cool weather and often slows or stops flowering in high heat. Deadheading helps extend bloom time.

Pests & Diseases

Prone to fungal diseases like Botrytis, powdery mildew, and leaf spot in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Common insect pests include aphids and whiteflies. Good air circulation, careful watering, and sanitation help prevent problems.

Zone 9 Tips

• Plant in fall or late winter for the best performance, avoiding the hottest months.

• Provide some afternoon shade to reduce stress during hot weather.

• Mulch lightly to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

• Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot in humid conditions.

• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry.

• Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen.

• Treat plants as a cool-season annual, replacing each fall if summer heat shortens their life span.

• Space 6–8 inches apart to allow airflow and reduce disease pressure.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

, Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.