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Flowers · annual
Phlox (annual) from seed
Phlox drummondii · also searched as phlox
- Germination temperature
- 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C)
- Sowing depth
- ¼ in (6 mm)
- Days to germinate
- 5 to 15 days
- Light
- Either; light is not critical
- Before sowing
- Nothing needed
- Start indoors
- 4 to 6 weeks before planting out
- Plant out
- 0 to 2 weeks after the last frost
- Sow outdoors
- 4 to 0 weeks before the last frost
- Spacing
- 8 to 12 in (20 to 30 cm)
Your dates from your last frost Seed not coming up?
Sowing
Direct-sow as soon as the soil can be worked (Johnny's) or start 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Plants dislike root disturbance; move seedlings when the first true leaves show.
Care and transplanting
Pinch for bushiness. Perennial garden phlox is a different plant that grows best from cold-treated seed (Arkansas Extension) or division.
Problems
Seedlings are slow in warm soil. Powdery mildew late in the season.
Saving seed
Collect dry seed from capsules.