When is the blooming period of moss phlox?

Moss phlox, also known as needle-leaved creeping phlox, has good ornamental value because of its long blooming period and its beauty and fragrance. So, when is the blooming period of moss phlox?

1. When is the blooming period of moss phlox?

The first blooming period of moss phlox is from April to May, the second blooming period is from August to September, and it extends to December with scattered small flowers still opening one after another.

2. Cultivation techniques for moss phlox

1. Sowing

The first batch of seedlings is raised in a greenhouse. Because hybrid seed production is used, the female parent and the first-stage male parent can be sown first, and the second-stage male parent is sown one month later; this ensures the quality of pollination later on. First disinfect the prepared seedbed soil; potassium permanganate, formalin, dexon and the like can be used, mixed into an aqueous solution of an appropriate ratio and sprayed on the seedbed. The seedbed soil is sifted through a fine sieve, the bed is leveled, and enough bottom water is watered; after the water seeps down, the seeds are evenly broadcast on the seedbed. There are 750 seeds per gram, and it is best to carry out a germination treatment before sowing. After the seeds are broadcast, the prepared sandy soil is evenly sifted onto the seedbed with a soil-covering depth of 0.3 cm, then covered with plastic film in an arched-frame style; after about 7—10 days they can germinate and become seedlings.

2. Seedling-stage management

After the seedlings emerge, they must be carefully managed. At this time the greenhouse temperature is relatively high, so pay attention to water control to avoid excessive elongation 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 shed.

3. Fertilizer and water management

Apply enough base fertilizer before planting; an N, P, K compound fertilizer is best. After planting, pay attention to management such as watering, fertilizing, ventilation and pest and disease control. The amount of watering varies according to the different seedling stages and depends on the soil condition. Topdressing begins one month after planting, applying a small amount of compound fertilizer; farmyard manure is even better, ensuring vigorous 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. Once phlox grows to 50 cm it is no longer afraid of pests, but attention must be paid to phlox leaf blight. The main feature of this disease is that the lower leaves of the plant first turn yellow and withered, then it gradually develops upward until the entire branch dies. The disease occurs severely on old plants, but it does not affect seedlings and cuttings with new roots. Carbendazim can be used to kill it.

Moss phlox can be planted in large quantities among flower borders, or combined with other low shrubs and planted in flowerbeds, and in both cases it can show a good greening effect. Friends who want to grow it can refer to the above content for the operation.