Guide to growing garden plants - Annual Phlox

Guide to growing garden plants - Annual Phlox
Plant Biology

Phlox can be annual or perennial in nature; this section deals with the annual varieties.

These small plants bloom from late spring to summer and flowers in mass; the flowers may be white, red, orange, pink or purple.

Some common names for Phlox varieties include Texas Pride, Phlox blue paradise, bright eyes, clouds of perfume, purple, orange perfection, creeping, dwarf, and Drummond Phlox. Latin names include phlox maculata, phlox paniculata, phlox drummondii, and phlox carolina.

How to grow Annual Phlox

If growing phlox outdoors from seeds then sow at the start of spring (before the last frost); or if you live in a warm area plant in the autumn. The phlox seeds should be lightly covered once sown. Phlox can be located in either a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden. They like to grow in a moist soil that is rich and of pH 6.5 to 7.

If starting indoors then do so about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. The phlox seeds should take one to three weeks to germinate in the dark at 12 to 18 degrees Centigrade. Transplant the seedlings into the garden with a spacing of 10cm (small) to 45cm (spreading varieties) apart.
Phlox Care

Once the young phlox plants get a footing pinch them back to encourage branching and bushiness. They like to grow in moist soil so regularly water them. The blooming period can be prolonged by deadheading flowers.

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