Phlox annual planting and care in the open field

A herb like phlox (Phlox) is directly related to the cyanide family (Polemoniaceae). This genus unites about 70 species, while about 40 species are cultivated. For the first time phlox began to be grown in European countries in the middle of the 18th century. Today, thanks to breeders, about 1.5 thousand different varieties of such flowers have appeared. From the Greek language "phlox" is translated as "flame". So this plant was named by K. Linnaeus in 1737, and that's all, because in some of the phlox species, the flowers have a very rich color. In natural conditions, such flowers can be found in North America. Due to the fact that the climate of those places is rather harsh, the plant is distinguished by its undemanding care and vitality. And the flowers of phlox are incredibly fragrant, and the flowering itself is long.

Features of phlox

Phloxes, even of the same species, can differ greatly from each other, and this is influenced by the peculiarities of the climate in which the flower grows. So, for example, those plants that grow at an altitude of 4 thousand meters are bryophyte and have a rather low growth, only 5-25 centimeters. Their branching stems cover evergreen leaf blades. If the plant grows in favorable climatic conditions, then it has an erect bush, which can reach a height of 30-180 centimeters. There are also semi-shrubs. These plants also differ in flowering time. So, there are early (spring), middle (summer), as well as late (summer-autumn). Most often there are erect varieties and species. Sessile, entire, oppositely located leaves can be elongated-ovoid or lanceolate-oval in shape. The diameter of the flowers varies from 2.5 to 4 centimeters. They have a tubular-funnel shape and are part of a complex inflorescence. So, in one inflorescence there can be up to 90 flowers. The flower consists of 5 stamens, 5 slightly bent petals, and 1 pistil. Most phlox species are perennials. However, Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii) and its various forms and varieties are considered annuals.

Main types and varieties

Annual phlox

Phlox Drummond

The best annual garden phlox is Drummond... The Englishman G. Drummond, who was a naturalist, traveler and theologian, brought him to England from Texas in 1835. In England, this flower has taken root. Flowering of such a plant begins in June and ends with the onset of the first frost. Opposite leaves have a lanceolate-oval shape. The thin stem is rather branched, and it reaches a height of 20-30 centimeters.The color of fragrant flowers is dark red, yellow, purple, white and salmon.

Plants of this species are divided into 2 varieties, namely: large-flowered and star-shaped. High phlox Drummond star-shaped (Phlox drummondii cuspidata), as a rule, reaches 30-40 centimeters, but there are also more compact plants (up to 12 centimeters). The split petals give the bright flower a star-like appearance with a peephole in the center. Phlox Drummond grandiflorum (Phlox drummondii mixed) - its height, as a rule, does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its flowers are quite large and can be painted in different color shades. But plants with red flowers are more impressive.

Florists also divide these plants in size into dwarf ones, which reach a height of 15 to 20 centimeters, as well as large-flowered ones. The large-flowered cultivars are High Fire Red, High White and High Bright Red. Dwarf phlox varieties: Shamoa (pink), Salmona (salmon), Snow Globe (white), Isabella (yellow) and Defiance (fiery red). All varieties of this type of phlox have both semi-double and double varieties. The most popular are terry flowers of the Promis variety of various colors.

Perennial phlox

Phlox subulate

The earliest of the perennial phlox species is subulate, its bloom begins in May. The plant itself is highly branching and blooming profusely. During flowering, the bush is completely covered with flowers, which can be of various shades from dark red to pure white. The leaves are narrow, awl-shaped, which influenced the name of the variety. Such a plant is suitable for decorating alpine slides, as well as rockeries.

Splayed phlox

Phlox bloom spread out also begins in May, but 7–14 days later than subulate phlox. Compact bushes are decorated with small bluish-lilac flowers. This species loves light less than the previous one, and also has less dense, but larger foliage and woody shoots.

The flowering of phlox paniculata occurs in the middle of the summer period. This type is very popular among gardeners. It has spectacular green leaves and fairly large inflorescences, consisting of many fragrant beautiful flowers.

Phlox paniculata

Phlox paniculata - thanks to this species, a large number of very interesting varieties were born. So, among them, the Pure Feelings terry phlox stands out, in which rather large inflorescences consist of white flowers, a strip of green color runs in the center, and purple flowers are located in the lower part. Elongated petals are slightly curled. The bush can reach a height of 70 to 80 centimeters. Natural Feelings terry phlox deserves special attention. Inflorescences similar to flowering branches of lilacs consist of small greenish-white-pink flowers. Also, thanks to breeders, frost-resistant varieties appeared, for example, Phlox Orange (Orange Perfection, Orange Spat), the flowers of which are painted in various shades of red-orange that do not fade under the influence of sunlight. They are undemanding, multiply easily and have a spectacular appearance. The most popular of the varieties is the Phlox King. The bush can reach 100 centimeters in height, the flowers of such a plant are quite large (about 4 centimeters in diameter) and can be painted in pink, white, crimson, lilac, as well as in other color shades.

Growing phlox from seeds

When properly grown, flowering phloxes can beautify your garden from spring to fall. The most popular way of propagation of such plants is vegetative (by layering, cuttings and dividing the bush).However, some gardeners prefer seed reproduction of phlox. Perennial seeds freshly harvested in the autumn must be sown in the soil in winter (in November or December). First you need to decide on the area where these plants will be grown for several years. In the event that snow has already fallen, it should be removed from the garden and simply scattered seeds over the surface of the soil, trying to leave a distance of 4–5 centimeters between the seeds. After that, a small (about 1–1.5 centimeters) layer of pre-sifted soil must be poured over them. And then cover everything again with snow. You can purchase the soil in a special store or collect it in advance. Freshly sown seeds have a germination rate of approximately 70 percent. But with the onset of spring, it decreases significantly. At the very beginning of spring, phlox shoots will appear on the garden bed. They should be picked only after 2 pairs of true leaves are formed on them. The distance between the plants should be about 20 centimeters. The planting of such seedlings should be carried out in due time.

As a rule, phloxes, which are annuals, are propagated by seeds. To do this, in the spring time should be sown seeds, leaving a distance of about 3-4 centimeters between them. Then you should water from a sprayer and cover the bed with plastic wrap. You should not pour soil over the seeds, but you need to raise the shelter for a while every day and remove the formed condensate. After the first shoots appear, the shelter should be removed.

Planting and caring for annual phlox

How to plant annual phlox

The cultivation of such plants from seeds is discussed above. However, there are gardeners who are afraid of night frosts in spring, which can destroy the plant, so they prefer to grow seedlings at home. Seeds are sown at the beginning of the spring period (in March). The first shoots can be seen only 7 days after sowing. Young plants need to be provided with a sufficient amount of light, watering, and also a moderate temperature regime. After 14-21 days after the emergence of seedlings, the plants must be dived. After the pick is made, it is recommended to shade phloxes from the direct rays of the sun for several days. They can be covered with newspaper sheets or opaque film. While the seedlings are growing in the house, you can apply mineral fertilizers 2 or 3 times to the soil, while you should use ½ part of the dose recommended for adult phlox. To make the bush more lush, after 4 or 5 real leaves appear on it, they pinch.

Seedlings are planted in May, while a distance of 15 to 20 centimeters is left between the bushes. To successfully grow phlox, you need to find a suitable place. Annual phloxes are not afraid of cold and drought, they love light, but they react negatively to overheating of the roots. The most spectacular plants grow in partial shade. It is noticed that the more the area is shaded, the longer this plant will bloom, but at the same time fewer flowers will grow on it. It should be noted that most varieties fade in the sun during the flowering period. But this does not threaten plants in partial shade. The color of their flowers remains saturated for a long time. Particularly beautiful are the "blue" varieties growing in a shaded place, the flowers of which, in poor light, become almost blue. For planting phlox, it is recommended to use high beds, next to which there are no shrubs or trees with a rather branched root system.

Such a plant needs soil, which contains a lot of humus. It should be noted that the plant may die in heavy soil with poor drainage.If you have chosen a site with acidified soil for planting, then lime must be added to it. The most suitable for growing such flowers is fertile sand, which does not contain clay. If the plants planted in it are well watered, they will grow powerful and beautiful. Before planting phloxes in heavy loam, organic fertilizers, sand, and peat must be added to it. Prepare a not very deep hole for the plant and be sure to add compost, vermicompost or 2 handfuls of wood ash into it. The roots should be spread horizontally.

Caring for annual phlox

Growing phlox annuals will not be difficult. So, they need to carefully loosen the top layer of the soil 6–8 times per season, in the second half of the period of intensive growth, it is necessary to spud the plant while loosening, for better and faster formation of the root system. Organic and mineral fertilizers should also be applied to the soil. In the last days of May, it is necessary to feed the phlox with liquid manure for the first time (25 g of the substance is taken for 10 liters of water). The second feeding is carried out in the first days of June, but at the same time superphosphate or potassium salt must be added to the finished liquid manure. In the first days of July, liquid manure (without additives) should be applied to the soil for the third time. In the last days of July, the plant should be fed 4 times, while the fertilizer should contain potassium salt and phosphorus.

How to water properly

Plants should be provided with systematic moderate watering in the morning or evening. When watering, water should be poured at the root, while 15–20 liters of water should be used per 1 square meter. Watering phlox with cold water on a hot day can lead to cracking of their shoots. It is recommended to pick off wilted flowers, because they are a hindrance to those that have not yet blossomed.

Diseases

Phloxes can get variegated. In this case, a pattern unusual for this plant appears on the surface of the leaves and flowers, which significantly impairs the decorative qualities of the flower. It is impossible to cure a diseased plant, so it must be dug up and destroyed. If phloxes become infected with powdery mildew, then they will also need to be destroyed. You can understand that the flower is sick by the matte white bloom that has appeared on the foliage and shoots.

Such a plant can also get sick with formosis, in this case the leaves dry out, and the stems become fragile. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to process foliage and shoots with colloidal sulfur. It should be borne in mind that during processing, the air temperature should be above 18 degrees, and the substance should not be allowed to get on the inflorescences. When infected with septoria, dots of dark brown color are formed on the surface of the foliage. With the development of the disease, they increase in size. A diseased plant must be treated with Bordeaux liquid, as well as the surface of the soil near it. After half a month, re-processing is carried out. Verticillium wilt has a detrimental effect on the root system of the plant, but only those phloxes that grow on acidic soil are susceptible to such a disease.

Pests

A nematode (a very small filamentous worm) can settle on the plant, which sucks the juice out of it. A sign that there is such a pest on phlox is disfigured inflorescences, crushed flowers and thinned shoots. The infected plant is dug up and destroyed (burned). The soil must be treated 3 times with nematicides, while maintaining an interval between treatments of 3 weeks.

Naked slugs at night can eat leaves, flowers, and even the lower part of the shoots. Systematic loosening and weeding is an excellent prophylaxis against slugs. In case of severe infection, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil surface with wood ash, fluff lime or tobacco dust mixed with ash.Butterfly caterpillars on the foliage can be removed manually. In case of severe infection, plants are treated from leaf-eating pests.

Planting and caring for annual phlox

Planting perennial phlox

The planting of such phlox is very similar to that used for annuals. However, when planting plants in the spring, it will be necessary to pour a layer of mulch (humus or dry peat) on the soil surface. The distance between the bushes should be left quite large (about 50 centimeters), since in a few years they will grow quite strongly. When purchasing seedlings of such flowers in autumn, they should not be planted in open ground. It is recommended to dig the seedlings to a depth of 20 to 25 centimeters, choosing for this a site protected from gusts of wind, and snow should also linger on it in winter. After the soil freezes, cover the plants with dry foliage or peat.

Sometimes it is allowed to plant perennial phloxes in open ground in the fall. An overgrown and lost beauty bush can be divided in autumn (from mid-August to mid-September). For disembarkation, use the lateral dividers, and discard the central part. In the autumn, phlox are also transplanted to a permanent place, which were planted in spring with cuttings.

During the autumn planting, compost should be added to the soil, and peat is added to the sandy soil, and sand to the clayey soil. The wells are located at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other. Delenki are lowered into them and the roots are straightened horizontally, it is necessary to dig in shallowly (about 4–5 centimeters). In dry weather, watering is carried out in 2-3 days (within 14 days). 2 liters of water are taken per bush. The dried surface of the soil must be loosened and sprinkled with a four-centimeter layer of mulch (humus or peat).

Care

Care rules are similar to those used for annuals. But such plants need to be fed 5 times per season, while the last time fertilizer is applied to the soil during the formation of seeds. For feeding, a solution is used consisting of 5 liters of water, 10 g of superphosphate and 5 g of potassium sulfate. You need to feed in the evening after watering, while do not let the solution get on the foliage. If you take care of the plants correctly, then they can be grown in the same area for 7 years.

Cutting of these plants can be carried out during the entire period of intensive growth. The beginning of cuttings falls on the time when the stem reaches 5 centimeters in height, and the end - on the last days of September. Cuttings taken from the plant in spring and summer are best rooted. You can propagate the plant by layering. Before the plant fades, its shoot is bent to the surface of the soil, fixation is carried out along the entire length and spud with a mixture of peat and humus. In autumn, a young plant is separated from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.

Features of care after flowering and in winter

Annuals can grow in the spring of next year, but their decorative qualities will be low. After collecting the ripe seeds in the autumn, remove the remnants of the plants, and dig up the soil, while removing the remaining rhizomes.

In the snowless winter period, the growth buds of phlox are likely to freeze out in frosts of about minus 10-15 degrees. If it is colder than 20-25 degrees, it will lead to the death of the root system. In this regard, in the autumn, the dried upper part of the plant must be removed, and the root collars must be covered with a layer of soil mixed with peat. From above, cover them with dried foliage, straw or spruce branches. With a snow cover of 50-60 centimeters, phloxes calmly withstand thirty-degree frosts.

I want to tell you about annual phlox. I planted them once, and after that they settled in my garden and heart forever.In its family (cyanosis) there is only one annual species that was given the name

Drummond's phlox (

Phlox Drummondii

).

Drummond's Phlox Twinkle Star Annual phloxes come in peach, chocolate, beige, whipped cream and coffee shades, while perennials are dominated by pink or raspberry colors. These flowers attract attention with the unusual structure of a flower that looks like a snowflake. Perennial phloxes do not have such a structure.

Agricultural technology of cultivation

A few words about the nuances and intricacies of agricultural technology of annual phlox. For a long time it was believed that growing phlox from seeds was a thankless task, since large, dense seeds did not want to germinate in any way. Previously, out of a hundred seeds sown, one or two germinated. Let's take a closer look.

Due to the fact that phlox seeds are quite large, with a dense outer shell, it was believed that they should be buried into the soil to a depth of 0.3 or even 0.5 cm. But the seeds of an annual phlox germinate only on the soil surface and in the light.

Seedlings of phlox annual.

For seedlings, annual phloxes are sown in March. A pick should be done in two weeks, young plants tolerate it well. For the first three days, the plant should be protected from direct sunlight so that there are no burns. Therefore, dive phlox seedlings should be covered with newspaper or an opaque film.

Annual phloxes with other flowers in my flower garden Once a month, it is useful to feed the plants, that is, two or three fertilizing with mineral fertilizer are needed before planting in the ground. As soon as the frost passes, we plant them in open ground, as a rule, in the second half of May.

My experience

Having bought 3 bags of seeds, 10 pieces each and soil for flower seedlings, I sowed for the first time. And immediately made the mistake of sprinkling the seeds with earth.

Later I read that they must first be soaked in a solution for seed germination, spread over the surface of the wet soil and press a little. Then cover with glass or foil, put in a well-lit place, ventilate daily and remove condensation. After 7-10 days, they germinate and after two true leaves appear, they dive.

Since I sprinkled the seeds with earth, they germinated in me two weeks later, and even later, the seedlings were uncooperative. I dived them about 3 weeks after the first shoots. Some plants already had 2-4 true leaves, but there were some that just got out.

Seated everyone, began well. Then she only watered it on time and fed it once every two weeks with root dressings. At the end of May, they began to bloom on my window. I did not let them bloom - I cut off all the tops for the development of the bush.

In this photo, my phloxes in early June were planted at the end of May at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. I planted it in two rows to look more magnificent. Phlox grows very quickly, they need to be watered regularly and fed once a month with a complex mineral fertilizer. They bloom without ceasing from June until the first frost. For better flowering, you need to remove wilted inflorescences.

Throughout the summer, I collected dried flowers and put them in a box to ripen the seeds. It must be borne in mind that the box must be with a lid, since ripe seeds shoot out and scatter a decent distance, just like a viola.

See how beautiful phloxes are in autumn! What they were at the beginning of summer, they almost remain so.

My phloxes in the fall This photo was taken on September 15th. Few of my neighbors have preserved flower beds in full bloom until this time. Plant, you will not regret it!

In this article we will talk about annual phlox, consider their most popular varieties and the main ways to grow this plant in your garden.

Phloxes are annual and perennial.

Perennial plants are considered to be the lords of flower beds for a reason.But, despite such an honorary title, they will look poor without the presence of annuals.

Among gardeners, the only annual phlox is known - Drummond.

Annual phlox

Annual Phloxes - Drummond's Phlox

Phlox Drummond is a beautiful herbaceous flower that amazes with its rich palette of shades.

Unlike perennials, the flower can be peach, chocolate, beige, coffee, creamy.

The plant has thin branched stems that can reach a height of 60 cm.

Drummond can be:

1. Star-shaped. The star-shaped Drummond can reach 40 cm in height. But you can find a low-growing flower that will reach 15 cm in height. The buds of the star-shaped annual have dissected petals that resemble an asterisk with a bright center.
2. Large-flowered. He is the owner of simple, double or slightly double inflorescences. The height of this species can be about 30 cm.

Benefits of annual phlox

Considering the features of an annual variety, you can find advantages over perennials:

1. For starters, annuals are rich in bright and varied color, shape
2. In addition, Phlox Drummond is not whimsical or capricious, it tolerates drought and light frosts well. The plant is more resistant to diseases and pests.
3. And also, unlike perennials, the annual blooms longer.
4. This annual has small buds. But since they grow in inflorescences, the flower looks lush and decorative.

Phlox benefits

In addition, opposite, slightly oval leaves emphasize its individuality. It is these qualities that make the flower look like a variegated bedspread, so it is an excellent option for decorating and decorating garden plots, loggias, balconies.

Star fdoxes

Five popular varieties of Phlox Drummond

Drummond's fragrant Phlox is distinguished by a wide variety of colors, shapes and varieties.

The most popular annual varieties:

• Constellation

This variety has a lush bush with bright buds of various colors.

The constellation is a great option to create a beautiful bouquet and an original flower bed.

After all, flowers, in addition to a variety of colors, have a fragrant attractive aroma.

• star Rain

This variety is characterized as a tall shrub with straight leaves. Height can reach 50 cm. The buds are like scented stars.

The plant has a tall, long flowering.

Star rain is frost and drought resistant. In order for the annual to please with blossoming buds for a long time, it is necessary to plant it in sunny areas.

• Terry

This is a medium-sized shrub reaching 30 cm in height.

The buds fit tightly to each other and have a varied color palette from creamy to dark red.

This variety is ideal for decorating a loggia or balcony. But terry phlox is often grown at home in pots.

• Twinkling star

This variety is considered a stunted plant that reaches 20 cm in height.

The buds form unusual pointed petals. This species blooms both at home and on the street.

The plant begins to delight with flowering in June, and ends in September.

• Promis Pink

This variety is distinguished by a small shrub, which reaches a height of 20 cm. Double pink buds. This variety of phlox is an excellent solution for decorating a flower bed or an alpine slide.

Features of growing annual phlox

Growing phlox annuals is not a troublesome business, but it also needs to be approached with responsibility.

In order for the plant to please with abundant flowering, you need to plant it in a sun-drenched area.

The soil should be fertilized.

Such as peat or humus.

There are two ways to grow a culture:

1. Using seeds directly into the ground. A good time to plant is early May. Before sowing, the soil must be prepared.After that, small holes are made, and several seeds are placed in each. It is necessary to plant so that the holes are at a distance of 15 cm from each other. The sprouts will appear 2 weeks after sowing. During these 2 weeks, the soil should be moist. And after the emergence of shoots, you need to do the loosening of the earth and liquid nitrogenous top dressing. It is necessary to feed the plant once a week. And in July, when the first buds begin to form, you should equip the soil with fertilizer.
2. With the help of seedlings. This sowing method will give you the opportunity to admire the flowers as early as May. To do this, in mid-March, it is necessary to sow seeds in the boxes. Moreover, they are buried in the ground, but only slightly sprinkled. After sowing, the box must be covered with polyethylene, but we must not forget about daily ventilation. After a week, the first shoots will appear, and then you need to move the box to a bright place. Then the seedlings must be fertilized with liquid nitrogen, and with the onset of heat (in April), the box must be put outside for several hours (so that the flower gets used to it and gets stronger). In May, when the weather has already settled and it is warm outside, the seedlings can be planted in open ground.

Annual phlox seedlings

Phlox Drummond is not capricious.

It has simplicity and unpretentiousness.

The plant does not need special care, but they are demanding for watering, especially during the period of growth and budding.

You need to know that you cannot water under the plants, especially with cold water in order to avoid fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. Therefore, it is better to water on the ground around the bush, and in warm weather just leave the hose with water for a while near the bush. This watering is very beneficial for phlox.

Where to plant annual phlox?

The flower is ideal for decorating paths, lawns, alleys, hedges, balconies, loggias, flower beds and borders.

Phloxes look like beautiful variegated bedspreads that will take your breath away.

They are a real boon for landscape design.

The plant goes well with flowers such as:

• bells;
• decorative cereals;
• nivyaniki;
• veronica.

Phlox diseases

The most common phlox disease is powdery mildew.

This disease mainly affects the leaves and stems, first a white-brown bloom appears, and then the leaves almost all become dark brown, which negatively affects the decorative effect and causes a weak flowering.

In conclusion, it should be noted that an annual phlox is not worse than a perennial one. You can even say that it is better. Indeed, unlike perennials, annuals are striking in their rich color.

Annual phloxes are not whimsical and not capricious.

He does not need special care.

It is for such qualities that gardeners love him so much.

Beautiful garden to you !!!

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 These fragrant, beautiful flowers came to Europe from North America from the middle of the 18th century and became inhabitants of lawns, gardens, rabatoks, borders, and often even balconies. It is possible that the harsh climate of their homeland endowed them with strength, unpretentiousness, vitality.

Phloxes (translated from Greek - "flame") belong to the genus of herbaceous plants from the cyanotic family. They number about 70 species, and only a little more than half of them are grown.

Among the many varieties, Drummond's annual phlox varieties are in favor with professional and amateur florists. Compared to their perennial "relatives", they have long held the palm. This is largely due to the wide variety of varieties, flower shapes, and their shades compared to perennials. They look great on alpine slides, flower beds. They can be used to decorate the space near houses using decorative containers.

Description of colors

In one complex inflorescence of phlox, about 90 pieces of flowers can be collected. Each of them has 5 stamens and folded petals, 1 pistil.

Their tubular-funnel-shaped form resembles simple, semi-double and double stars, snowflakes with a rich palette of tones and halftones. These are beige, cream, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple, brown, black and other colors.

Phloxes have an amazing ability to change their appearance, responding to the whims of "mother nature", the climate. So, for example, in the bright sun, their colors acquire brightness, and in cloudy times, they dim.

And the bushes themselves with a green mass of developed shoots resemble a colorful ball. Under more favorable conditions, they will be erect, even up to 1.5 m in height. There are also phlox-shrubs.

And growing at high altitudes, they will be bryophyte and dwarf up to 25 cm with evergreen leaves. Most often, erect phloxes are grown with whole-edged, sessile, oval, lanceolate, oblong ovoid leaves.

Reproduction of phlox

If you know and be able to grow such plants, then you can admire their delicate beauty from the very spring to the beginning of autumn. Indeed, according to the flowering time, they are early, middle and late.

There are opportunities for phlox reproduction in a vegetative way:

• layering
• grafting
• dividing a bush

However, many growers prefer the use of seeds for breeding seedlings. From them, you can grow quite strong seedlings suitable for planting in due time.

After all, even seeds that fell into the ground in the fall give up to 70% of germination in spring. And yet we offer you to get acquainted with some of the nuances of self-planting seeds for effective growing seedlings.

When to plant seeds for seedlings

An important argument in favor of seedling growing phlox is to avoid cases of freezing of seedlings from seeds fallen into the ground. Along with this, plants from seedlings have longer flowering periods.

Preparation for planting seeds of annual flowers begins from late February to mid-March. Such terms allow you to see the fruit in 2 months in May. And the seeds sown directly on the site at the same time germinate and bloom only from the end of September.

We grow phlox seedlings

This process consists of preparing the soil, containers, seeds themselves, as well as creating optimal lighting and temperature conditions. Moreover, in each of these stages there are nuances, ignoring which is undesirable.

Preparation of land and seeds

Loose soil is suitable for planting seedlings, consisting of peat, rotted humus, lime, sand, mineral fertilizers. It fits into various containers (boxes, containers, cells, peat pots, etc.). Then the soil is moderately moistened and sowing of seeds begins.

Sowing seeds

Held in March. Despite the density of large seeds, they do not need a strong burial in the soil mixture, but good lighting. They just scatter over the surface, lightly press down with a palm and spray a little from a spray bottle.

After that, the container with the planted seeds is covered with transparent glass or foil and placed in a warm and bright place, for example, on a windowsill. It should be at least +23 ° C here.

Further, daily airing of future seedlings is carried out, spraying, careful shaking off the formed condensation from the film / glass. As soon as the small roots of the hatched seeds are attached to the ground, the transparent "shelters" are removed. After 7-10 days, the first shoots already appear.

Seedling care

It consists in picking 2-3 weeks after the appearance of the first true leaves at a distance of more than 15 cm, uniform illumination at a temperature of + 20 ° C.

Moderate watering through a spray bottle is carried out with a dried topsoil. For hardening on the eve of planting sprouts in the open, you need to lower the temperature to +15 ° C, increase the frequency of watering with the addition of mineral fertilizers.

When 4-5 leaves appear, the plant is pinched to form the splendor of the bushes.

Landing in open ground

After the onset of stable heat in May, the seedlings are replanted in areas with light, fertile soil saturated with vermicompost and compost. "Heavy" soil must be lightened with sand, organic matter, peat. The best option is sandy, non-clayey soil with good drainage, medium acidity.

When planting seedlings on the site, a place is selected in partial shade, where direct solar radiation does not penetrate. Taking into account the future height, spreading of adult phloxes, a distance of about 20 cm between the “neighbors” (snapdragons, bells, etc.) is maintained.

Planting is carried out in a small hole with the addition of ash (up to 150 g). A seedling with horizontally spread roots is placed there and is slightly covered with earth.

Summer flower care

After "relocation" to open ground, growing phlox is quite easy and enjoyable.

The main principle of caring for one-year-old phlox in the summer is not to interfere with growing!

To comply with it, you will need:

1. regular watering during hot times, since the plant withers during drought due to overheating of the root system
2. periodic gentle loosening of the soil to ensure its air permeability. In the second half of the growing season of the plant, hilling is carried out to form the root system
3. pinching shoots to create the splendor of the bush, accelerate the beginning of flowering
4. 4-fold feeding with mineral fertilizers, organic matter:

• the first is carried out at the end of May with manure,
• the second - in early June, liquid manure with superphosphate / potassium salt,
• the third - in the first decade of July only with liquid manure, the fourth - at the end of July with phosphorus with potassium salt. For lush flowering, the plant can be fertilized several times per season with ammonium nitrate.

To increase the effect of these simple agricultural techniques, mulching the soil around the plants will help. You can re-grow phlox next year with your own seeds.

How to collect your seeds

You need to select your favorite varieties of flowers for subsequent breeding on time. To do this, the twigs, together with the large bolls that have already begun to turn yellow, must be cut off after flowering.

Further ripening of seeds will take place in a paper or linen, but not cellophane, bag. After cracking the oval capsule, the seeds remain in the same bag.

All that remains is to sort the most ripe, large planting material and store it in a dark, dry, cool place until the next sowing in spring.

Types and varieties of annual phlox

Drummond has 2 varieties:

• Large-flowered phlox, which can grow to a height of about 30cm. Their rather large inflorescences are characterized by various colors, but phloxes with red tones look especially attractive. These include varieties such as: Tall whites, Tall bright reds, Tall fiery reds.
• Star-shaped differ in greater height (up to 40 cm) and less often - lower up to 15 cm. Bright flowers outwardly resemble stars with an eye in the middle.

Some gardeners classify annual phlox not only by these characteristics, but also by a low height of up to 20 cm. These are the so-called dwarf flowers.

Today, the most common varieties of Drummond are:

• "Star Rain" - the bush reaches almost half a meter in height, is distinguished by frost and drought resistance, the duration of flowering. The inflorescences have a fragrant aroma. Loves sunny places.
• "Twinkling Star" it is distinguished by its miniature size, up to 25 cm high, and the “snowflake” flowers have unusual pointed tips. The compactness of the plant is suitable for decorating homes, balconies. It is able to delight with its flowers all summer and until autumn.
• "Constellation" attracts with a variety of bright colors from white to crimson red. Lush, branchy bushes with a small diameter are decorated with inflorescences, "scutes".It is most often used to decorate bouquets, flower arrangements, flower beds, lawns.
• Phlox undersized... The peculiarity of this new dwarf variety is the drooping leaves on branched bushes up to 20 cm high. It is most often bred on balconies.
• "Promise pink" also refers to low-growing plants with double flowers, the color, which is reflected in the name of the variety. It is very relevant for the design of alpine slides, elevated flower beds in garden plots, estates, dachas, in parks and squares.
• "Terry" - this new variety is a medium-sized bush (up to 30 cm). It amazes with its multi-colored double flowers of large sizes, collected by dense inflorescences, similar to decorative shields. They deservedly enjoy the special sympathy of indoor floriculture lovers.

Annuals phlox,sow the seeds Drummond Phlox: video

We hope that with the help of these basic information, you will be able to bring your design ideas to life to beautify your garden and home.