key growing information

How to Grow Phlox From Seed

How to grow annual phlox from seed: direct sowing, darkness for germination, transplants without root disturbance, soil, cutting stage and uses.
By Hensley’s Seed Co.

Phlox - Key Growing Information

Bright cherry-red phlox flowers, just one cultivar among a large, colorfully diverse, easy to grow group.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

Seedlings appear in 5–10 days at 60–65°F (16–18°C).

SOWING:

Sowing in place is recommended, as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Cover the seed with 1/8" of fine soil, since it needs darkness to sprout, and thin when the first true leaves show. For transplants, sow 4–6 weeks before the last frost straight into the final container or jumbo plug trays, as phlox dislikes root disturbance. Cover the seed, since it needs darkness, and move seedlings outdoors gently when the first true leaves appear.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Full sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Rich, moist sandy soil with good drainage.

PLANT SPACING:

Space plants 8–12" apart.

HARDINESS ZONES:

Grown as an annual.

HARVEST:

For fresh use, cut when about half the flowers are open.

USES:

Tall types make superb cut flowers and short types make good ground covers. Also good in containers, edging, borders and rock gardens.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Phlox drummondii

Source and attribution

Migrated library resource. Original named people, organizations, research, and factual provenance are retained.