Matthiola incana Hot Cakes mixed - seeds

The 'Hot Cakes mixed' stocks in this blend are robust, floriferous, and well-branched annual plants. They produce a profusion of bright and fragrant flowers from late spring to the heart of summer. The mostly double flowers come in a beautiful range of colours, from white to violet, with various shades of pink to purple depending on the plants. They easily self-seed in borders or containers and are perfect for charming bouquets.

The stock, Matthiola incana in Latin, is a short-lived perennial herbaceous plant or a fast-growing biennial, often grown as an annual. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family (like cabbages or mustard) and originates from the Mediterranean basin, specifically the Canary Islands, where it grows on rocks near the coast. The 'Hot Cakes' mixed selection produces upright, dense and compact plants, reaching approximately 40 cm (16in) high and 30 cm (12in) wide within a few months. They have narrow lanceolate, slightly greyish green leaves and fragrant flowers arranged in spikes from May to August. The majority of plants produce double flowers in various colours, including white, pink, mauve, and violet, as well as rare shades like burgundy or purple. These flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and followed by seeds that will self-sow in the garden.

These mixed stocks are ideal for borders, flower beds, or pots placed near pathways or entrances to fully enjoy their sweet fragrance. In flower beds, they can be paired with summer annuals such as lavateras, malopes, nigellas, godetias, or opium poppies. They also make delightful romantic bouquets, alongside peonies and lilacs.