There are numerous different varieties of phlox, also known as phlox. Depending on your preference, you can plant a creeping variety as a ground cover or a tall growing variety as a cut flower. Phlox is available as an annual or perennial.
How do I plant phlox correctly?
To plant phlox successfully, choose a well-drained, loamy soil and ideally plant the phlox in spring. Protect them from waterlogging and ensure variety-dependent nutrient requirements. Phlox can also be grown in a container.
The best location and the right soil
Phlox likes a well-drained, loamy soil. Depending on the type of plant, the soil should be relatively nutrient-rich to rather nutrient-poor. For the perennial flame flower, it is recommended to add well-rotted compost in spring. Some early-flowering varieties cannot tolerate full sun, while meadow phlox likes it sunny.
The best planting time
It's best to plant your phlox in spring. However, container plants that have well-developed roots can be easily planted all year round as long as the soil is frost-free. Annual phlox is not hardy. It is preferred in moderately warm temperatures and planted after the ice saints.
Planting in a bucket
Phlox can also be grown very well in a container. Choose the planter so large that there is still around 10 cm of space around the root ball. Drill a few drainage holes in the bottom of the bucket so that excess water can drain away easily. Place some pottery shards (€6.00 on Amazon) on top or fill in some coarse gravel. This drainage layer also helps to avoid waterlogging.
Sowing Phlox
The flame flower germinates very easily. If it is not cut after flowering, it will sprout on its own. Since it is a cold germinator, sowing should take place between September and December. The seeds need cool temperatures of around 5 °C, at least for a short time, in order to germinate.
Propagate Phlox
The flame flower is relatively easy to propagate, with division being the easiest method. Propagation through head cuttings is also possible. With these methods you get identical plants as the mother plant while the collected seeds are not necessarily of the same variety.
The best planting tips:
- permeable soil
- protect from waterlogging
- Planting in containers possible
- Nutrient requirements depend on variety
Tips & Tricks
With a wise selection of different varieties, you can enjoy the phlox flowers from April until the first frost.
