Evening Scented Stock

History

Evening Scented Stock might look unassuming by day, but come twilight, it releases a sweet, clove-like fragrance that fills the air. A relative of traditional stock, it's been grown since Victorian times as a nighttime treat. Australian gardeners use it for adding scent to seating areas and patios.

Sowing Calendar

GeneralCool/MountainTemperateAridSubtropicalTropical

Best Months to Plant – Evening Scented Stock

Climate Zone	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Cool/Mountain	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Temperate			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Arid	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Subtropical			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Tropical			✓	✓	✓

Cool/Mountain – Evening Scented Stock

Method	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Start in trays	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Plant out transplants	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Direct sow	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓

Temperate – Evening Scented Stock

Method	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Start in trays			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Plant out transplants			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Direct sow			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓

Arid – Evening Scented Stock

Method	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Start in trays	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Plant out transplants	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓
Direct sow	✓	✓	✓	✓					✓	✓	✓	✓

Subtropical – Evening Scented Stock

Method	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Start in trays			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Plant out transplants			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓
Direct sow			✓	✓	✓				✓	✓	✓

Tropical – Evening Scented Stock

Method	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Start in trays			✓	✓	✓
Plant out transplants			✓	✓	✓
Direct sow			✓	✓	✓

Where to Plant

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden

Containers & Pots

Containers & Pots
• Portable planting vessels suited for patios, balconies, and small areas
• Provide complete control over soil composition and drainage
• Great for herbs, greens, compact vegetables, or ornamental plants
• Allow plants to be moved to follow sun, shade, or seasonal conditions

Pre-treatment

None Identified

There are no pre treatments required for germination.

Sowing Method

Start in Trays

• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves

Direct Sow

• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed

Watering

Medium

• Benefits from regular watering, especially during active growth or flowering
• Soil should remain moist but not soggy—allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings
• Ideal for most vegetables, herbs, and flowering annuals
• More frequent watering may be needed during hot or windy weather
• A layer of mulch can reduce water loss and improve consistency

Fertilisation

Frost

Frost Tolerant

These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.

Maintenance and Harvesting

Evening Scented Stock prefers cool growing conditions. Water regularly and remove spent blooms to extend flowering. Plant in succession for continuous scent through the season.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.

Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.

Leaf spot

Leaf spot describes several fungal or bacterial diseases that create dark, often round lesions on foliage—sometimes with yellow halos. Severe infections cause premature leaf drop and reduced vigour, especially during warm, wet spells or when leaves stay damp.

Reduce spread by removing infected leaves, watering at the base, and spacing plants for airflow. Mulch to limit soil splash and rotate crops. Organic preventatives include copper and sulfur sprays applied early. If disease escalates, registered fungicides offer a chemical backup.

Downy mildew

Downy mildew causes pale yellow blotches on upper leaf surfaces with grey‑purple fuzz beneath, spreading fast in cool, moist weather. Heavily infected leaves collapse, slowing growth and yield.

Choose sunny, well‑ventilated positions, water early so foliage dries quickly, and remove infected leaves promptly. Organic options include copper and bio‑fungicides (phosphorous acid salts). For severe pressure, rotate chemical fungicide modes to prevent resistance.

Damping off (seedlings)

Damping‑off is a soil‑borne disease that attacks seeds and seedlings, causing poor germination, sudden collapse, or pinched, water‑soaked stems at soil level. It thrives in cool, wet, stagnant conditions.

Sow into fresh, clean seed‑raising mix; avoid reusing contaminated trays. Provide warmth, light, and airflow; water lightly and allow the surface to dry between waterings. A light dusting of cinnamon or chamomile tea is a gentle organic measure; fungicidal drenches are rarely necessary for home growers when hygiene is good.

Flea beetles

Flea beetles can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.

Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.

Growing Tips

• Evening Scented Stock may grow leggy in shade; provide more sun and trim to keep compact.
• Evening Scented Stock can struggle in heavy, waterlogged soils; improve drainage and avoid over-watering.
• Evening Scented Stock performs best with steady moisture and regular harvesting to promote new growth.