Stock Incana Iron Purple

Stock Incana Iron Purple Seeds

Matthiola incana Iron Purple is part of the Iron series, a novel type of Japanese-bred stock developed by Sakata Ornamentals. The Iron series was bred as a significant advancement over traditional European stock varieties, engineered specifically to produce taller, harder, and more rigid stems with very tightly spaced florets along each spike. This structural quality gives the cut stems exceptional longevity and handling strength, making them a preferred choice for professional florists and cut flower growers worldwide.
The Purple variety within the series delivers deep, saturated purple blooms with the rich tonal depth that makes this color one of the most sought after in professional floriculture. Dense, tightly packed florets along the full length of each stem create a dramatic and luxurious spike that commands attention both as a standalone arrangement in mono vases and as a strong color anchor in mixed bouquets.
As with all varieties in the Iron series, approximately 55% of plants produce double flowers without any seedling selection or culling process, significantly simplifying production while maintaining a high yield of the most ornamentally valuable double-flowered stems. Flower initiation requires nighttime temperatures below 15–18°C sustained for 10–21 days, a condition reliably met during the Gulf winter season from October through February, making this variety well suited to the region’s cool-season production window.

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.
• Deep, rich purple color with strong presence in floral arrangements.
• Approximately 55% double flowers without seedling selection.
• Excellent for mono vases and as a color anchor 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
• 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. 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 standard stock varieties. Plant 12.5 x 12.5 cm apart in a sunny, well-drained bed with a soil pH of 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, as these promote softer growth and thinner stems. Provide supporting nets and add additional netting as plants grow upward.
• The Iron series does not require the drier late-season conditions used with other stocks, so maintaining slightly higher moisture levels will support better stem length.

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 color anchor stem
• Cutting garden for home use
• Fragrant indoor arrangements