Annual phlox: growing from seeds

Annual phlox are especially popular among gardeners due to their low maintenance and long, lush blooms. They offer a striking variety of varieties, shades, and petal shapes compared to perennials. Annual phlox look stunning in flowerbeds, rock gardens, and in decorative pots near homes. Growing them is easy, but it's important to know the proper planting and care guidelines.

Description of the species

Phlox is a herbaceous plant in the Polemonium family. The genus comprises approximately 85 species, only half of which are cultivated as garden plants. The bushes are adorned with brightly colored, pleasantly fragrant flowers. Most species are perennials, with only Drummond's phlox being an annual. It is native to the southwestern United States and is widespread in North America and Europe.

Annual phlox has slender, erect, and branched stems. Plants reach a height of 60 cm. Subshrub varieties grow up to 150 cm in full sun. The leaves are rich green, entire, and oval-lanceolate. They are arranged oppositely on the shoot.

Annual phlox flowers come in white, red, purple, pink, blue, beige, and other colors. Some varieties have solid-colored petals, while others have dark centers. Petal shapes can be needle-shaped or rounded. Varieties with double and semi-double flowers have been bred. Their diameter ranges from 2 to 4 cm. The buds are gathered in corymbose inflorescences, each containing several dozen. Drummond phlox exudes a strong fragrance. Flowering begins in June and continues until frost. The seeds ripen in an oval capsule.

The following varieties of annual phlox are distinguished:

1. Starry. Distinguished by its brightly colored, dissected petals, the flower's shape resembles a star with an eye. Phlox reaches 30 cm in height, while dwarf varieties reach up to 12 cm.
2. Large-flowered. The buds are large and come in a variety of colors. The stems are erect, up to 30 cm long. The varieties "Tall Fiery Red" and "Tall White" are impressive.

Phlox varieties Drummond

The most common varieties of Drummond phlox are:

1. "Star Rain." The flowers resemble stars and are sometimes bicolor. The bushes reach a height of 50 cm. They tolerate drought and light frosts well.
2. 'Chanel'. Compact bushes are covered with double, yellow-red inflorescences.
3. 'Twinkling Star'. Low-growing bushes, up to 25 cm tall. Large flowers with pointed petals.
4. 'Promis Pink'. This variety features large, double flowers. They are a rich pink color and have a pleasant fragrance. The stems reach only 20 cm in height.
5. "Constellation." The flower diameter is 3 cm. The petals come in a variety of shades. The bushes are lush and branched.
6. Low-growing varieties include phlox 'Chamois' (pink), 'Snowball' (white), 'Isabella' (yellow), 'Salmon' (salmon), and 'Defiance' (red). Due to their compact size, they are often grown on balconies and verandas.

Sowing annual phlox in open ground

Annual phlox are propagated by seeds. They can be sown in open ground or grown from seedlings. Because of their thick seed coat, the seeds are difficult to germinate. Experts recommend soaking them in a light pink solution of potassium permanganate 24 hours before sowing. Then, dry the seeds by placing them on a sunny windowsill.

Annual phlox seeds are sown in a flowerbed in late autumn: late October or early November. Plants planted in winter will emerge early and bloom quickly in the spring. The seeds are spaced 4-5 cm apart and then lightly covered with soil. Commercially available soil is suitable for this purpose. In winter, the seedlings are covered with a thick layer of snow to prevent them from freezing. If necessary, young plants can be spaced at least 15 cm apart.

Drummond phlox can also be sown outdoors in the spring. The optimal time is from late April to mid-May. The soil should be moist. If there is a risk of frost, protect the seedlings by constructing a shelter. Phlox sown in the spring bloom in August or early September.

Growing seedlings

To ensure a longer bloom, annual phlox are grown from seedlings. This method is recommended for northern and central regions. Given the slow germination time, seeds are planted between late February and mid-March. Seedlings will emerge in 10-15 days. Phlox will bloom in early summer.

Seed preparation

Drummond phlox is grown in containers with at least 10 cm high sides, as it has a well-developed root system. Wooden boxes, plastic containers, or special greenhouses are suitable. Containers should have drainage holes in the bottom.

Soil for planting annual phlox can be purchased at a flower shop. It should be fertile, loose, and have a neutral pH. The soil mixture is easy to prepare yourself. Mix garden soil, compost, and humus in a 1:1:1 ratio. River sand can be added to improve looseness. The prepared soil should be watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to kill pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Add a 7-8 cm layer of soil to the containers and moisten it thoroughly three days before sowing.

Sowing phlox seedlings

To ensure that the seedlings emerge evenly, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

1. The seeds are spread on the surface of moist soil at a distance of 2-3 cm. They are then sprayed with a spray bottle and covered with plastic wrap or glass.
2. Place the seedling containers on a bright windowsill. Seeds require temperatures of 21 to 22°C for germination.
3. The crops are aired daily by opening the cover. Any condensation that forms on the inner surface of the film is carefully shaken off.
4. The soil should be regularly moistened, preventing the top layer from drying out. To prevent the seeds from sinking deeper into the soil, they should be carefully misted with a spray bottle. Water with warm, settled water.

Caring for seedlings

With proper care, seedlings will emerge within two weeks, after which the cover is removed. The containers are rotated periodically to prevent the seedlings from stretching toward the light. Nighttime temperatures are reduced to 17–18°C. Water moderately to protect the seedlings from blackleg. The top layer of soil should not dry out. Shade the seedlings from direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.

The seedlings are pricked out into individual containers once they have a couple of true leaves. Care is taken not to damage the fragile roots during transplanting. The seedlings are fed for the first time 7-10 days after transplanting. During the active growth period, use a complex flower fertilizer. Before planting the young plants in the flowerbed, apply fertilizer once every two weeks.

Seven to 10 days before transplanting outdoors, harden off the seedlings by placing them outside or on a balcony during the day. Annual phlox seedlings are planted in their permanent location at the end of May. The optimal time is evening or a cloudy day, when the sun's rays won't damage the fragile shoots.

Transplanting phlox to a permanent location

Annual phlox prefer sunny sites with fertile soil. They thrive in partial shade. Avoid planting these flowers in areas where water stagnates. Drummond phlox thrives in light, non-clay soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH. Compost and coarse sand can be added to heavy soil. Prepare the planting site in the fall. Till the soil and add well-rotted manure. Lime the acidic soil.

Before planting, phlox seedlings are watered generously. Holes are dug at least 20 cm apart, each filled with water and 150 g of ash. The seedling is placed in the hole, the roots are covered with soil, and gently compacted. The plantings are watered with warm water. Then the area around the trunk is sprinkled with dry soil. For the first two weeks, the seedlings are watered every two days, and daily in hot weather.

Features of planting care

Drummond phlox does not tolerate drought, but overwatering is also contraindicated due to its susceptibility to fungal diseases. Per 1 m² Plantings require 10 liters of water. The soil should be moistened in the afternoon. After watering or rain, loosen the soil, removing weeds. To develop a strong root system, phlox should be hilled in early July. Tall varieties should be tied to a support to prevent shoots from breaking in the wind. Mulching the root zone with a 2-3 cm layer of dry, rotted manure will help reduce moisture evaporation.

To ensure annual phlox continue to bloom profusely until the first frost, they need to be regularly fertilized, taking into account the growing season:

1. At the end of May, when buds begin to appear on the plants, potassium fertilizer is added to the soil. Mix a cup of wood ash and 10 grams of potassium sulfate in a bucket of water. This fertilizer improves the quality of the inflorescences and increases disease resistance. After 14 days, the phlox are fed with a superphosphate solution prepared at a ratio of 15 grams per 10 liters of water. The fertilizer is applied to the roots.
2. At the end of June, annual phlox are fed with fertilizer for flowering plants. This can be replaced with liquid manure diluted with water at a ratio of 1:10. In late July, the soil is fertilized with an ammonium nitrate solution at a ratio of 20 g per 10 liters of water. This type of feeding prolongs the flowering period and makes the flowers more vibrant and rich.
3. The life cycle of Drummond phlox ends with the formation of seed pods. In the fall, plants are fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. The nutrient mixture is prepared from 20 g of superphosphate, 10 g of potassium sulfate, and 10 liters of water. Bone meal, which can be added to the soil during loosening, contains a large amount of phosphorus. Such fertilizers promote seed formation and maturation, improving the quality of the planting material.

Phlox are fed in the evening. Liquid fertilizers are applied after a thorough watering, and dry fertilizers are applied before rain or the next time the soil is moistened.

A suitable specimen for propagation is selected while the phlox is still in bloom. A ribbon is tied to its stem. Hybrids labeled "F1" are not suitable for collecting seedlings, as they do not retain varietal characteristics in subsequent generations. Yellowed seed pods are cut off along with the shoot and placed in a paper bag to ripen. They are stored in a dry, dark place until the following season.

Pest and disease control

Most often, annual phloxes are affected by the following diseases:

• phomosis;
• septoria;
• variegation;
• powdery mildew;
• Verticillium wilt.

To prevent fungal infections, plants are sprayed with colloidal sulfur. Affected phlox are treated with Bordeaux mixture twice, 15 days apart. Bushes showing signs of powdery mildew and variegation are immediately dug up and burned to prevent the spread of the disease.

Drummond phlox bushes are often damaged by pests:

Nematode

The bushes are burned, and the soil is treated with nematicides, such as Carbation or Tiazon, 3 times every 20 days.

Naked slugs

Regular loosening of the soil is unfavorable for their growth. The soil around the plantings is dusted with wood ash or tobacco dust.

Butterfly caterpillars

To destroy them, flowers are sprayed with an insecticide, such as Fitoverm or Actellic.

Drummond phlox is an easy-to-grow, profusely flowering plant. Following simple sowing guidelines will ensure uniform germination and healthy seedlings. These annual flowers will make a beautiful addition not only to flower beds but also to the facade of your home. They captivate with a variety of colors and an unforgettable fragrance.