Matthiola incana var. Alba 

'Hoary Stock'

Brassicaceae: downy, greyish annual or perennial with a woody-based stem to 80cm. Associated with sea cliffs. The flowers are nicely scented, up to 30mm across, with 4 white petals, blooming from April-July. Scarce and doubtfully native although possibly so in Southern England and Southern Wales. Native to Southern Europe. Possibly native to Southern England.

USES:

The flowers can be eaten as a vegetable or used as a garnish, especially with sweet desserts, they are highly fragrant.

The seeds have aphrodisiac, bitter, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. An infusion has been used in the treatment of cancer and when mixed with wine it has been used as an antidote to poisonous bites.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Prefers a fertile neutral or slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Plants grow best in a sandy soil in a warm, sheltered position. A very ornamental plant, it is also a good butterfly plant. Sow seeds from early spring in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 2 weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

HARVESTED: 2020

APPROX. 50 SEEDS