Hoary Stock
Matthiola incana
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Hoary Stock is a species of flowering plant in the Brassicaceae family. In addition to Hoary Stock, common names include gillyflower, brompton stock, common stock, and ten-week stock. This plant is classified as a biennial or short-lived perennial, but it is commonly grown as an annual in most climates. The flowers have a sweet, clove-like fragrance, more noticeable in the early evening and at night. The flowers, leaves and seedpod are edible. It is highly fragrant so best used in with sweet desserts. Although the seedpods are edible, they are generally thought of as famine food. The flowers have a sweet, peppery taste similar to radish. The leaves and seed pods also taste similar to radish. Hoary stock is native to southern Europe, including coastal areas. It is also native to parts of Western Asia and North Africa. It is thought that Matthiola incana seeds were brought to the U.S. by Thomas Jefferson in 1771 for his gardens at Monticello.
Seed Life Cycle
Biennial, mostly annual.
Colours
Pink, purple, lilac, white, and occasionally yellow.
Height
Up to 60cm (24").
Health Benefits
Dye
Dark blue or purple.
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