Stock Incana Early Iron Marine

Stock Incana Early Iron Marine Seeds

Matthiola incana Early Iron Marine is part of the Early Iron series by Sakata Ornamentals. Marine is the deepest and most dramatic color in the Iron and Early Iron range, a rich dark hue occupying the blue-violet spectrum between deep purple and navy. This cool, dark tone is uncommon in cut flower stock production, making it particularly valuable for florists and designers seeking to create strong contrast, visual depth, and a modern, sophisticated edge in their arrangements.
The Early Iron breeding advantage ensures that this distinctive color is produced with better uniformity and higher yields during the November–February window than standard Iron Marine, making it the optimal choice for Gulf winter production schedules where timing and consistency are critical.

Variety Details

• Series: Early Iron (Short-Day Optimized)
• Breeder: Sakata Ornamentals (Japan)
• Key advantage: Superior yield and uniformity during November–February
• Double flowering rate: Approximately 55% without seedling

Key Features

• Japanese-bred professional cut flower stock from Sakata Ornamentals.
• Short-day optimized. Deep marine-purple — rare and dramatic in cut flower production.
• Tall rigid stems 60–70 cm. 55% double flowers without seedling selection.
• Exceptional for contrast, depth, and modern sophisticated arrangements.
• Superior November–February yield vs. standard Iron Marine.

Plant Information

• Height: 60–70 cm
• Spread: 12–15 cm (plant spacing)
• Plant type: Annual
• Flowering: First year
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil, pH 6.0–7.0
• Water: Moderate — reduce gradually as flower buds develop

Seed Germination

• Seed depth: Cover lightly with vermiculite
• Germination time: 10–17 days
• Ideal germination temperature: 18–21°C

Growing Tips

• Sow seeds into well-drained germination medium at pH 5.8–6.2 and cover lightly with medium vermiculite.
• Maintain even moisture and a temperature of 18–21°C during the first ten days. After germination is complete, move seedlings to a well-lit area with good ventilation and reduce temperature to 16°C during the day and 10°C at night.
• When seedlings reach two pairs of true leaves, they are ready for transplanting.
• Never delay transplanting as the Early Iron series initiates buds earlier than standard stock varieties and delays will reduce final stem quality.
• Plant 12.5 x 12.5 cm apart in a sunny, well-drained bed at pH 6.0–7.0.
• After transplanting, maintain daytime temperatures below 21°C and nighttime temperatures between 10–15°C. Flower bud initiation requires nighttime temperatures below 15–18°C sustained for 10–21 days.
• Under Gulf winter conditions this requirement is naturally met from October through February, making Early Iron particularly reliable during this window.
• Provide adequate watering until flower buds become visible, then reduce gradually toward harvest.
• Unlike many traditional stock varieties, Early Iron does not require late-season drying conditions to produce tight stems, so maintaining slightly higher moisture levels throughout the crop will support better stem length and quality.
• Use calcium nitrate-based fertilizers and avoid ammonium or urea-based products, as these promote softer growth and thinner stems.
• Provide supporting nets from an early stage and add additional netting as plants grow upward. Spray preventatively for aphids and moths and monitor for Botrytis, Downy Mildew, and Sclerotium throughout the crop cycle.

Gulf Planting Season

• Sowing: September – October
• Transplanting: October – November
• Expected flowering: January – February

Garden and Floral Uses

• Professional cut flower production
• Mono vases
• Mixed bouquets
• Contrast and depth element
• Cutting Garden
• Fragrant indoor arrangement