Our annual phlox is a cultivar of Phlox drummondii, which is native to Texas, but found in numerous other states. It is a low-growing meadow wildflower that works well on its own, or planted with others in containers or raised beds. Continue reading below for some tips on how to grow phlox from seed.
Latin
Phlox drummondii
Family: Polemoniaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Timing
Annual phlox dislikes root disturbance, so direct sow in spring, as soon as the ground can be worked. Otherwise, start indoors in coir or peat pots 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, and then carefully transplant outdoors when the first true leaves appear. Seeds should germinate in 5-10 days.
Starting
Just cover the small seeds, and germinate at 16°-18°C (60°-65°F). Thin or space transplants at 20-30cm (8-12") apart.
Growing
This cool season plant may slow down in the heat of high summer. If this happens, cut the plants back dramatically to just 5cm (2"), and await a second burst of blooms as autumn approaches. Be sure to keep irrigated in hot weather, particularly in containers.