Planting and caring for annual phloxes
A delicate continuous bloomer & perfect for bouquets
Annual phloxes (Phlox drummondii) are wonderfully nostalgic flowers. In contrast to perennial phlox, its appearance is rather dainty, which is why you should not plant it near vigorously growing plants. Its ideal place is in the front of the border or in a planter. The colours are unique! Milky caramel, cherry red and lavender purple. Simply marvellous!
The most important facts in brief
- annual cut flower
- delicate & long flowering
- sow indoors from February, in the garden from May
- direct sowing possible from May
- sunny, warm location
- well-drained & nutrient-rich soil
- Pruning extends the flowering period
- suitable for beds, tubs and pots
- insect pasture
![Phlox drummondii 'Blushing Bride', Saatgut, Einjährige, Schnittblume, Gartenblume, Balkonblume](https://joradahl.de/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Phlox-drummondii-Blushing-Bride.jpg)
Sowing annual phlox
From February to around April is the right time to start sowing annual phlox. Place the seeds about 1.5 cm deep in well-drained soil. Make sure that the soil is always moist, but not too wet. The ideal germination temperature is around 18-20 °C. As soon as there is no longer any danger of frost, the young plants can be taken outside. It takes about 60-66 days until flowering.
If you missed sowing in spring, you can also sow the seeds of annual phlox directly into the bed from May.
![Ansaat, Anzucht, Blumensamen, Saatgut, Blumen im Garten](https://joradahl.de/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/markus-spiske-624932-unsplash.jpg)
Site & soil
To develop its full beauty, the summer phlox needs sun and warmth. The brighter the location you choose for planting, the richer the flowers and the more intense the fragrance.
The soil should be well-drained and very rich in nutrients. Moist soil is also no problem for the summer phlox. However, you should avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Caring for annual phlox
The annual phlox is exceptionally robust and long-flowering, but needs a lot of nutrients to develop ideally. That’s why you should preferably give it a high-quality liquid fertiliser every fortnight. You can extend the flowering period by cutting back faded plants. It is equally important to water the annual phlox regularly.
![Phlox drummondii 'Cherry Caramel' Sommer-Phlox Saatgut Blumensamen Anzucht Ansaat](https://joradahl.de/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Flowerstodry-15.jpg)
Cutting annual phlox for the vase
The annual phlox looks simply marvellous in bouquets. Whether as a companion or as the main protagonist, it is always an eye-catcher in the vase. When at most half of the flower has opened, it is time to harvest it. The flowers can be delicate, so be careful when cutting them. The vase life is about 7 days.