Phlox is the tiny flower with the funny name, and it can be quite a beautiful addition to your garden. If you want to add some delicate color while not having to fuss too much, phlox may be the perfect plant for you. It is hardy, easy to grow, and blends nicely with your other floral selections. Take a look below at 7 Tips for Growing Phlox so you can see how simple it can be to enjoy these tiny blooms in your own landscaping designs.
7 Tips for Growing Phlox
1. Skip the seeds.
You will find that phlox is much easier to grow if you use cuttings or seedlings as opposed to seeds. You can find these started for you at your local gardening centers, which makes your job of getting them up and running much easier. So skip the seeds, and opt for seedlings instead.
2. Loosen the soil.
In order for phlox to be successful you should loosen the soil for them. This helps them stretch and grow without too much trouble. Before planting, loosen the soil 6-8 inches and mix in some organic matter or mulch. This helps keep the soil loose and pliable, and can also help it best retain moisture.
3. Give them lots of space.
You might want to plant your phlox closely together so it looks nice and full, but this can quickly kill them. Each seedling needs a good 10-12 inches to grow, so be sure to space plants at least this far when planting.
4. Avoid too much sun.
Phlox actually prefer medium sun, and don't require full sun. This means they should do just fine with 4-6 hours of sun a day. Feel free to plant them where the spot gets some morning or afternoon shade, as all day sun is not necessary.
5. Moisture is important.
Phlox loves a good inch of water per week. Be sure if you don't experience regular rain that you give them this. You can help the plant retain moisture by applying a few inches of mulch around the plant base. This will help it stay moist between watering.
6. Know what pests and diseases to watch for.
Mildew can creep up on your phlox, so be sure to not let the soil get muddy or splash a great deal onto the foliage. Mulch around the base can help with this. Caterpillars can also be a concern, so use a natural pest repellent such as water mixed with dish soap to keep bugs at bay. You can also pick them off by hand as you see them.
7. Don't forget to divide.
Phlox will need to be divided every 2-3 years in order to have the proper room it needs to grow. Make a note to divide your plants every few years so they don't get overcrowded and die. You can replant the divided plants in other areas of the yard, using the planting and growing tips as mentioned above.
Are you ready to give phlox a try? Consider these 7 Tips for Growing Phlox in your garden or flower beds and see how beautiful it can be!
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