Stock Incana Iron Cherry Blossom

Stock Incana Iron Cherry Blossom Seeds

Matthiola incana Iron Cherry Blossom is part of the Iron series, a novel type of Japanese-bred stock developed by Sakata Ornamentals and distributed through their European division. The Iron series represents a significant departure from traditional European stock varieties, bred specifically to produce taller, harder, and more rigid stems with very tightly spaced florets along the spike. This construction gives the stems superior structural integrity, making them ideal for professional cut flower production and florist use.
The Cherry Blossom color within the series delivers soft, warm pink blooms in a delicate tone reminiscent of Japanese cherry blossom, creating refined and romantic floral arrangements with broad seasonal appeal. The densely packed floret arrangement along each stem produces a full, luxurious spike that performs equally well as a standalone flower in mono vases and as an elegant filler in mixed bouquets.
A distinctive characteristic of the Iron series is that approximately 55% of plants will produce double flowers without any need for seedling selection or culling, simplifying the growing process while still delivering a high proportion of the most ornamentally valuable double-flowered stems. Flower initiation in this series requires nighttime temperatures below 15–18°C for 10–21 days, making it well suited to Gulf winter conditions where cool nights are reliably available from October through February.

Variety Details

• Series: Iron
• Breeder: Sakata Ornamentals (Japan)
• Type: Cut flower stock, indoor greenhouse production
• 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 cherry blossom pink color for refined, romantic floral arrangements.
• Approximately 55% double flowers without seedling selection.
• Excellent for mono vases and as a filler in mixed bouquets.
• Early to mid-season flowering.
• Well suited to Gulf winter cool-night conditions for flower initiation.

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 and cover lightly with medium vermiculite.
• Maintain even moisture and a temperature of 18–21°C during the first ten days.
• Once 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 Iron series initiates buds earlier than common stock varieties.
• Plant 12.5 x 12.5 cm apart in a sunny, well-drained bed. After transplanting, keep temperatures below 21°C during the day and between 10–15°C at night.
• Flower bud initiation requires nighttime temperatures below 15–18°C maintained for 10–21 days.
• Provide adequate water until flower buds become visible, then reduce watering gradually toward harvest. Unlike other stocks, the Iron series benefits from slightly warmer and more humid conditions after bud set to achieve greater stem length.
• Provide supporting nets as plants grow.
• Avoid ammonium and urea-based fertilizers as these promote softer growth and thinner stems. Use calcium nitrate-based fertilizers for best stem quality.

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 primary or filler stem
• Cutting garden for home use
• Fragrant indoor arrangements