Stock Incana Iron Blue

Stock Incana Iron Blue Seeds

Matthiola incana Iron Blue is part of the Iron series developed by Sakata Ornamentals, a Japanese-bred stock line engineered to produce taller, harder, and more rigid stems than traditional European varieties, with very tightly spaced florets along each spike. Iron Blue delivers a soft, cool blue-lavender tone — the gentlest and most ethereal color in the Iron range, occupying the cool end of the spectrum between true lavender and a soft periwinkle blue.
It is worth noting that in Matthiola incana, the color described as blue in commercial nomenclature refers to a soft blue-violet or blue-lavender hue rather than a primary blue. This is consistent with the botanical nature of the species and is a recognized standard across professional stock breeding worldwide. The resulting color is among the most refined and sought-after in cut flower floristry, carrying an airy, romantic quality that pairs particularly well with white, cream, deep purple, and blush pink in mixed arrangements.
The dense, tightly packed floret arrangement along each stem creates a full and graceful spike that performs with equal elegance as a standalone stem in mono vases and as a light, balancing element in multi-color bouquet designs. Approximately 55% of plants produce double flowers without any seedling selection, maintaining production simplicity while delivering a high proportion of double-flowered stems. Flower bud initiation requires nighttime temperatures below 15–18°C sustained for 10–21 days, a condition naturally available throughout Gulf winter months.

Variety Details

• Series: Iron
• Breeder: Sakata Ornamentals (Japan)
• Type: Cut flower stock, indoor greenhouse production
• Color note: Blue in Matthiola refers to a soft blue-lavender or blue-violet tone, consistent with the botanical
• color range of the species.
• Double flowering rate: Approximately 55% without seedling selection
• Stem type: Tall, strong, rigid — harder than traditional European varieties
• Floret arrangement: Very tightly spaced along the spike

Key Features

• Japanese-bred professional cut flower stock from Sakata Ornamentals.
• Tall, strong, rigid stems of 60–70 cm with very tightly packed florets.
• Soft blue-lavender tone — cool, ethereal, and among the most refined in the Iron range.
• Approximately 55% double flowers without seedling selection.
• Pairs beautifully with white, cream, blush, and deep purple in mixed designs.
• Excellent for mono vases and multi-color bouquets.
• Early to mid-season flowering.
• Gulf winter cool-night compatible.

Plant Information

• Height: 60–70 cm
• Spacing: 12.5 x 12.5 cm
• 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, well-ventilated area 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 Iron series initiates buds earlier than standard stock varieties. 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.
• Provide adequate watering until flower buds become visible, then reduce gradually toward harvest. Use calcium nitrate-based fertilizers and avoid ammonium or urea-based products, which promote softer growth and thinner stems. Provide supporting nets and add netting progressively as plants grow upward.

Gulf Planting Season

• Best sowing time in the Gulf: Mid-September – October (indoor production)
• Transplanting: Mid-October – November
• Expected flowering: February – March

Garden and Floral Uses

• Professional cut flower production
• Mono vase arrangements
• Mixed bouquets as a light, balancing color element
• Bridal and romantic arrangements
• Cutting garden for home use
• Fragrant indoor arrangements