Annual phlox
Planting Instructions
1. Direct Sowing Outdoors (Fall & Spring)
Site Selection
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade (6+ hours of sunlight per day is ideal).
Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil but adapts to a variety of soil types.
Ideal for garden beds, wildflower meadows, borders, and rock gardens.
Soil Preparation
Loosen soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and remove weeds, debris, and large rocks.
Enrich with compost or organic matter if soil is poor.
Avoid heavy clay or overly wet soils, as they can cause root rot.
Planting Depth & Seed Sowing
Fall Sowing: Recommended in warmer climates (USDA Zones 8-11), allowing seeds to naturally stratify and germinate in spring.
Spring Sowing: In cooler regions (USDA Zones 3-7), sow after the last frost date.
Scarification: Not required.
Stratification: Not required.
Sow seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down. Do not bury deeply, as they need light to germinate.
Space seeds 6-12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy until germination occurs (usually 7-21 days).
Once established, water moderately—about 1 inch per week during dry spells.
Maintenance & Growth
Pinch back young seedlings to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Can reseed itself but is not considered invasive.
2. Starting Seeds Indoors for Spring Transplanting
Seed Preparation
Stratification: Not required.
Scarification: Not required.
Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Sowing Indoors
Use seed-starting trays filled with light, well-draining potting mix.
Sow seeds on the surface and gently press them into the soil. Do not cover with soil, as they need light to germinate.
Light & Temperature Requirements
Place trays in a bright location with 12-16 hours of light daily (grow lights or a sunny window).
Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Germination occurs in 7-21 days.
Transplanting Outdoors
Harden off seedlings for 7-10 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Transplant after the last frost date, spacing plants 6-12 inches apart.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
Maintenance & Growth Control
Watering: Water regularly but avoid overwatering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Pruning: Pinch back stems for a bushier plant.
Deadheading: Regular removal of faded flowers encourages continued blooming.
Mulching: Apply a light mulch layer to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Invasiveness: Phlox drummondii is not invasive but may reseed itself under ideal conditions
