When is the best time to sow phlox?

Phlox flowers come in light red, deep red, purple, white, light yellow and other colors, and are very beautiful. This species is mostly grown in pots for decorating flower beds in early spring, and many people also grow it in home gardens. So, when is phlox sown?

1. When is phlox sown?

The sowing time for phlox differs from region to region. In various parts of the south, sowing is generally done around September. In various parts of the north, it is usually around February.

2. Cultivation techniques for phlox

1. Sowing

The first batch of seedlings is raised in a greenhouse. Because hybrid seed production is involved, at this time the female parent and the first-phase male parent can be sown first, and after one month the second-phase male parent can be sown, which ensures good pollination quality later. The prepared bed soil should first be disinfected; potassium permanganate, formalin, dexon and the like can be used, mixed into an aqueous solution of appropriate ratio and sprayed on the seedbed. The bed soil is sifted through a fine sieve, the bed is leveled well, and enough bottom water is poured; after the water seeps down, the seeds are evenly broadcast on the seedbed. Each gram contains 750 seeds. Before sowing, it is best to carry out a germination treatment. After broadcasting the seeds, evenly sieve the prepared sandy soil onto the seedbed, with a soil covering thickness of 0.3 cm, then cover with plastic film in an arched shed style, and after about 7—10 days they will germinate and become seedlings.

2. Seedling-stage management

After the seedlings emerge, careful management is required. At this time the greenhouse temperature is relatively high, so pay attention to water control to avoid spindly growth of the young seedlings. When the seedlings grow to 6—7 cm tall, transplant them; they can be transplanted into nutrient pots. When the seedlings grow to 10 cm, they can be directly planted in the seed-production shed. The entire seed production is carried out in a protected plastic greenhouse.

3. Fertilizer and water management

Before planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer; an N, P, K compound fertilizer is best. After planting, pay attention to watering, fertilizing, ventilation, and pest and disease control. Watering amount varies with the different seedling stages and depends on the soil condition. One month after planting, begin topdressing, applying a small amount of compound fertilizer; farmyard manure is even better, ensuring strong growth during the seedling stage.

4. Disease control

Phlox is susceptible during the seedling stage to damping-off, root rot and the like. To avoid the occurrence of pests and diseases, spray once a week, mostly to prevent fungal infections; Bordeaux mixture, carbendazim, chlorothalonil and the like are usually used. After phlox grows to 50 cm, it is no longer afraid of pests, but attention should be paid to phlox leaf blight. The main feature of this disease is that the lower leaves of the plant first turn yellow and wither, and it gradually develops upward until the entire branch dies. The disease occurs severely on old plants, but does not affect seedlings and cuttings with new roots. Carbendazim can be used to kill it.

Phlox has dense, clustered flowers and an elegant plant form; whether planted in the ground or in pots, it is highly ornamental. Friends who want to grow it can refer to the above content for operations.