Annual phlox when planted in the ground. Phloxes. Growing perennial phloxes from seeds: terms and rules for planting

Phlox appeared in Europe almost four centuries ago. These flowers are native to North America, where they grow in large numbers.

In Russia (more precisely, in Russia), annual phloxes have been known for a long time, but earlier the flower was called “sitchik” among our ancestors for its varied color and simplicity.

Translated from Greek, "phlox" means "flame".

Such a beautiful name is explained both by the appearance of the bright phlox and by the existing old legend. There is a legend that Odysseus, leaving the kingdom of the dead of the god Hades, threw his flaming torch near the entrance. And the fire of this torch did not die out, but flared up, and turned into the same fiery flowers, in memory of the great ancient Greek hero.

Phloxes are very popular among both beginner gardeners and those who have been growing flowers for many years. This is explained by the fact that phloxes are not just beautiful, but are a real decoration of any flower garden. The beauty of phloxes is also that they are easy to care for, easy to breed, and with honor endure our harsh climatic conditions. They are not afraid of frost, they are unpretentious, do not require much attention in the summer, and at the same time have an incomparable aroma.

All this makes phlox truly indispensable for flower lovers.

To date, the number of varieties of phlox is approaching sixty, while almost all of them are perennial. However, only 15-20 species are used to decorate garden beds and flower beds, but you can admire the flowering of these varieties for 4-6 months. Therefore, phloxes are appropriate in absolutely any design.

Choosing the right place

Growing phlox is not at all difficult, although some effort will certainly have to be made. However, there is no comparison with the difficulty of growing other flowers when choosing phlox.

First of all, for phloxes you need to choose a suitable place in the garden. This is the most important thing if you are going to enjoy the flowering of your "calico" for many years.

Phloxes really do not like excessive moisture, although they need good watering. However, there should be no stagnant water when growing phlox. Thin roots of phlox cannot stand this, and simply rot.

Therefore, in the lowlands, where water accumulates after rains, it is not necessary to plant phloxes, you will simply destroy your plants. Plant your flowers on fairly high ground, even on beds no more than 15 cm high. Under these conditions, the flower will feel good.

It is also highly advisable not to plant phlox next to trees, shrubs or other plants with large roots that are located shallow underground. Phloxes in such a neighborhood will lack moisture and light, and it may wither from a lack of nutrition.

Suitable soil

As for the composition of the soil, phloxes are unpretentious enough so that this issue can not be given special attention. They will thrive in a wide variety of soils, but these flowers thrive best if you offer them moist, light, loose soil.

Watering

One of the main requirements for caring for phlox is proper watering.

Phlox love moisture so much that they suffer from drought even where groundwater is located close enough to the soil surface. Even in such places, flowers require mandatory watering, otherwise their superficial roots will simply dry out.

Watering phlox is carried out as follows. On 1 square meter of the soil surface where phloxes grow, you need to pour at least two buckets of warm water. Moreover, at the beginning of summer, it is recommended to add a little boric acid (about the tip of a teaspoon) or a little potassium permanganate to the water for irrigation, so that the water for irrigation acquires a slightly brownish tint.

top dressing

Phloxes, like any flower crops, need high-quality feeding. And you need to feed them during the season at least five times, and this should be done either immediately after watering, or after heavy rain, when the earth is sufficiently moist.

The first time phloxes are fed in early spring, even before the snow finally melts. Fertilizer is applied per 1 square meter, which includes:

• 30 g of ammonium nitrate;
• 40 g of ash;
• 50 superphosphate.

The second time phloxes need to be fed closer to the beginning of summer, in the twentieth of May. At this time, before the start of active growth, plants need organic fertilizer. Therefore, they should be fed with a solution of fermented manure in a ratio of 1:12, or a solution of chicken manure in a ratio of 1:20. Or, if you do not have such a fertilizer, you can fertilize with ammonium nitrate in a proportion of 30 g per bucket of water.

The third time phloxes are fed at the beginning of summer, with exactly the same fertilizer as the second time. In this case, you can add a little wood ash to the water.

The fourth time phloxes are fed in mid-July, during active flowering. This time, the flowers need mineral dressing, and to make it, you need to add 20 g of superphosphate and 50 g of wood ash to a bucket of warm water.

Exactly the same top dressing should be made in August, and the phlox should be fed with it for the fifth time.

It should be noted that from about July, nitrogen fertilizers should not be used to feed phloxes, and after the last, fifth feeding, it is no longer necessary to fertilize flowers at all so that they leave for the winter without new buds and shoots.

Phlox breeding

Growing phlox from seeds

Phlox can be grown in a variety of ways, including from seeds, although it is not that easy. However, subject to certain rules and the appropriate technique, there is nothing too complicated in this method of reproduction. The main problem is that large phlox seeds, which have a dense and thick shell, are reluctant to sprout. This is true, but only if these seeds are planted at a depth and sprinkled with earth on top.

Even if you dig seeds at a distance of 0.5 cm from the surface, they are unlikely to germinate simply because phlox seeds necessarily need sunlight to grow. Therefore, seeds germinate without problems only if they are placed on the soil surface and have good lighting.

Accordingly, in order to obtain seedlings when growing phloxes from seeds, they should be spread out on the surface of the earth, while the earth must be sufficiently moist. Moreover, the seeds need to be sprayed every day from a spray bottle of warm water, and covered with a film on top so that the earth does not dry out and condensation forms inside. Every day, boxes with germinating seeds should be ventilated by removing the film, shaking off condensation so that there is no excess moisture, and lightly spraying with fresh water. You need to place boxes with future seedlings in a place where she will have enough sunlight. At the same time, direct sunlight should be avoided during the daytime. For example, you can put a box of seeds on the east window.

If you follow these simple rules, phlox seeds will sprout quickly.

Seedling care rules

The first seeds may germinate as early as the fourth day, and small green shoots will sprout from them.

In order for small phloxes to develop correctly and quickly, the following rules must be observed:

• in the room where you put the box with plants, the temperature should not fall below 20 degrees;
• a box with seedlings must be covered with foil for at least the first two or three days after germination;
• small phloxes need to be sprayed daily with water, avoiding either drying out or, conversely, excessive wetting of the soil surface;
• on the fourth day, you need to remove the film that covers the box, and do not cover the seedlings anymore. In this case, the box must be deployed on the window so that the sun's rays hit all the sprouts evenly. Otherwise, phloxes constantly illuminated by the sun will stretch too quickly, and those who get little light may die;
• as the seedlings grow, the temperature should be gradually reduced to 15-17 degrees. This will not only harden the sprouts, but also prevent them from stretching too much. In addition, in the coolness, the root system of the flower becomes stronger;
• gradually reduce the temperature in the room to 15 degrees. This simultaneously hardens the sprouts, and also helps to prevent their stretching. If you decide to do this, then take into account that watering in this case becomes a little more frequent.

Planting phlox in open ground

When planting phlox seedlings in open ground, you need to decide for yourself in each case, taking into account the climatic conditions of your region and seasonal temperatures.

If the soil has warmed up, and dry warm weather has set in April, seedlings can be planted under the open sky. If prolonged rains usually fall in your region in April, then it is better to postpone planting, otherwise the seedlings that are not strong enough will simply rot in the wet ground.

Before you decide whether it's time to send the seedlings to the garden, or you should wait a little longer, watch the weather forecast for a few days. It is very important, in addition to fears of excessive moisture, to take into account that even in the case of not very strong night frosts, tender sprouts may die.

After the phlox sprouts are in your garden, then they should be watered, loosened, fed and cared for in accordance with the rules that were described above.

And then your phloxes, grown from seeds, will feel great, and delight you with lush flowering for more than one summer.

Such a herbaceous plant as phlox (Phlox) is directly related to the cyanotic family (Polemoniaceae). This genus unites about 70 species, while about 40 species are cultivated. For the first time, phlox began to be grown in European countries in the middle of the 18th century. To date, thanks to breeders, about 1.5 thousand various varieties of such flowers have appeared. From the Greek language "phlox" is translated as "flame". So this plant was named by K. Linnaeus in 1737, and that’s all, because in some of the phlox species, the flowers have a very rich color. Under natural conditions, such flowers can be found in North America. Due to the fact that the climate of those places is quite severe, the plant is characterized by undemanding care and vitality. And the flowers of phloxes are incredibly fragrant, and the flowering itself is long.

Phloxes of even the same species can be very different from each other, and this is influenced by the characteristics of the climate in which the flower grows. So, for example, those plants that grow at an altitude of 4 thousand meters are bryophytes and have a fairly low growth, only 5–25 centimeters. Their branching stems cover the evergreen leaf blades. If the plant grows in favorable climatic conditions, then it has an upright bush, which can reach a height of 30-180 centimeters. There are also semi-shrubs. These plants also differ in flowering time. So, there are early (spring), middle (summer), as well as late (summer-autumn). Most often there are upright varieties and species. Sessile, entire, oppositely arranged leaflets can be elongated-ovoid or lanceolate-oval. The diameter of the flowers varies from 2.5 to 4 centimeters. They have a tubular-funnel shape and are part of a complex inflorescence. So, in one inflorescence there can be up to 90 flowers. The flower consists of 5 stamens, 5 slightly recurved petals, and 1 pistil. Most phlox species are perennials. However, Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii) and its various forms and varieties are considered annuals.

Main types and varieties

Phlox annuals

The best annual phlox grown in the garden is Drummond. The Englishman G. Drummond, who was a naturalist, traveler and theologian, brought it to England from Texas in 1835. In England, this flower has taken root. Flowering in such a plant begins in June and ends with the onset of the first frost. Oppositely arranged leaflets have a lanceolate-oval shape. The thin stem is quite branched, and it reaches a height of 20–30 centimeters. The color of fragrant flowers is dark red, yellow, purple, white and salmon.

Plants of this species are divided into 2 varieties, namely: large-flowered and star-shaped. tall phlox Drummond stellate(Phlox drummondii cuspidata), as a rule, reaches 30-40 centimeters, but more compact plants (up to 12 centimeters) are also found. Dissected petals give a bright flower a resemblance to a star, in the center of which there is an eye. Phlox Drummonda grandiflora(Phlox drummondii mixed) - its height, as a rule, does not exceed 30 centimeters. Its flowers are large enough and can be painted in various colors. But plants with flowers of red shades have more spectacularity.

Flower growers also divide these plants by size into dwarf ones, which reach a height of 15 to 20 centimeters, as well as large-flowered ones. Large-flowered cultivars: Tall Fiery Red, Tall White and Tall Bright Red. Varieties related to dwarf phlox: Chamoa (pink), Salmona (salmon), Snowball (white), Isabella (yellow) and Defiance (fiery red). All varieties of this type of phlox have both semi-double and terry varieties. The most popular are terry flowers of the Promis variety of various colors.

Phlox perennial

The earliest of the perennial phlox species is, its flowering begins in May. The plant itself is highly branched and profusely flowering. During flowering, the bush is completely covered with flowers, which can be of various shades from dark red to pure white. The leaves are narrow, awl-shaped, which influenced the name of the variety. Such a plant is suitable for decorating alpine slides, as well as rockeries.

Phlox bloom splayed also begins in May, but 7–14 days later than Phlox subulate. Compact bushes are decorated with small bluish-lilac flowers. This species loves light less than the previous one, and it also has less dense, but larger foliage and woody shoots.

Panicled phlox blooms in the middle of the summer period. This species is very popular among gardeners. It has spectacular green leaves and fairly large inflorescences, consisting of many fragrant beautiful flowers.

- thanks to this species, a large number of very interesting varieties were born. So, among them, the Pure Feelings terry phlox stands out, in which rather large inflorescences consist of white flowers, a strip of green color runs through the center, and lilac flowers are located in the lower part. The elongated petals are slightly twisted. Bush in height can reach from 70 to 80 centimeters. And the Natural Feelings terry phlox deserves special attention. Inflorescences similar to flowering branches of lilacs consist of small greenish-white-pink flowers. Also, thanks to breeders, frost-resistant varieties were born, for example, Orange Phlox (Orange Perfection, Orange Spat), the flowers of which are painted in various shades of red-orange, which do not fade under the influence of sunlight. They are undemanding, easy to breed and have a spectacular appearance. The most popular of the varieties is Phlox King. The bush can reach a height of 100 centimeters, the flowers of such a plant are quite large (about 4 centimeters in diameter) and can be painted in pink, white, crimson, lilac, as well as in other color shades.

Properly grown, blooming phloxes can brighten up your garden from spring until the fall frost. The most popular method of propagation of such plants is vegetative (by layering, cuttings and dividing the bush). However, some gardeners prefer seed propagation of phlox. Perennial seeds freshly harvested in autumn must be sown in the soil in winter (in November or December). First you need to decide on the site on which these plants will be grown for several years. In the event that snow has already fallen, it should be removed from the garden and simply scatter the seeds over the surface of the soil, trying to leave a distance of 4-5 centimeters between the seeds. After that, a small (about 1–1.5 centimeters) layer of pre-sifted soil must be poured over them. And then throw snow all over again. You can purchase the soil in a special store or collect it in advance. Freshly sown seeds have a germination rate of approximately 70 percent. But with the onset of spring, it is significantly reduced. At the very beginning of spring, phlox shoots will appear in the garden. They should be picked only after 2 pairs of true leaves are formed on them. The distance between the plants should be about 20 centimeters. The planting of such seedlings should be carried out at the appropriate time for this.

As a rule, phloxes, which are annuals, are propagated by seeds. To do this, in the spring, seeds should be sown, leaving a distance of about 3-4 centimeters between them. Then you should water from the sprayer and cover the bed with plastic wrap. Soil should not be poured over the seeds, but it is necessary to raise the shelter daily for some time and remove the resulting condensate. After the appearance of the first shoots, the shelter should be removed.

The cultivation of such plants from seeds is discussed above. However, there are gardeners who are afraid of night frosts in the spring, which can destroy the plant, so they prefer to grow seedlings at home. Sowing of seeds is carried out at the beginning of the spring period (in March). The first shoots can be seen after only 7 days after sowing. Young plants need to be provided with a sufficient amount of light, watering, as well as a moderate temperature regime. After 14-21 days after the emergence of seedlings, the plants must dive. After the picking is done, it is recommended to shade the phloxes for several days from the direct rays of the sun. They can be covered with newspaper sheets or an opaque film. While the seedlings are growing in the house, mineral fertilizers can be applied 2 or 3 times to the soil, while using ½ of the dose recommended for adult phloxes. To make the bush more lush, after 4 or 5 true leaves appear on it, pinching is done.

Seedlings are planted in May, while a distance of 15 to 20 centimeters is left between the bushes. For successful cultivation of phlox, you need to find a suitable place. Phlox annuals are not afraid of cold and drought, they love light, but react negatively to overheating of the roots. The most spectacular plants grow in partial shade. It has been noticed that the stronger the area is shaded, the longer this plant will bloom, but at the same time it will grow fewer flowers. It should be noted that most varieties fade in the sun during the flowering period. But this does not threaten plants in partial shade. The color of their flowers remains saturated for a long time. Particularly beautiful are the "blue" varieties growing in a shaded place, the flowers of which become almost blue in poor light. For planting phloxes, it is recommended to use high beds, next to which there are no shrubs or trees with a fairly branched root system.

Such a plant needs soil, which includes a lot of humus. It should be noted that the plant may die in heavy soil with poor drainage. If you have chosen a site with acidified soil for planting, then lime must be added to it. The most suitable for growing such flowers is fertile sand, in which there is no clay. If you water the plants planted in it well, they will grow powerful and beautiful. Before planting phloxes in heavy loam, organic fertilizers, sand, and peat must be added to it. Prepare a not very deep hole for the plant and be sure to pour compost, biohumus or 2 handfuls of wood ash into it. Roots should be straightened horizontally.

Growing phlox annuals is not difficult. So, they need to gently loosen the top layer of soil 6–8 times per season, in the second half of the period of intensive growth, it is necessary to spud the plant during loosening, for better and faster formation of the root system. Organic and mineral fertilizers should also be applied to the soil. In the last days of May, it is necessary to feed the phloxes with liquid manure for the first time (25 g of the substance is taken per 10 liters of water). The second top dressing is carried out in the first days of June, but at the same time, superphosphate or potassium salt should be poured into the finished liquid manure. In the first days of July, liquid manure (without additives) should be applied to the soil for the third time. In the last days of July, the plant should be fed 4 times, while the fertilizer should contain potassium salt and phosphorus.

Plants should be systematically moderately watered in the morning or evening. When watering, water should be poured under the root, while 15–20 liters of water should go per 1 square meter. If you pour cold water on phloxes on a hot day, this can lead to cracking of their shoots. It is recommended to pick off faded flowers, because they are a hindrance to those that have not yet blossomed.

Phloxes can get variegated. In this case, a pattern unusual for this plant appears on the surface of the leaves and flowers, which significantly impairs the decorative qualities of the flower. A diseased plant cannot be cured, so it must be dug up and destroyed. If phloxes become infected with powdery mildew, then they will also need to be destroyed. You can understand that the flower is sick by the matte white coating that appears on the foliage and shoots.

Such a plant can also get sick with formosa, in which case the leaves dry out, and the stems become brittle. For preventive purposes, it is necessary to treat foliage and shoots with colloidal sulfur. It should be noted that during processing the air temperature should be above 18 degrees, and the substance should not be allowed to get on the inflorescences. When infected with septoria, dots of a dark brown color are formed on the surface of the foliage. With the development of the disease, they increase in size. A diseased plant must be treated with Bordeaux liquid, as well as the surface of the soil near it. After half a month, re-treatment is carried out. Verticillium wilt adversely affects the root system of the plant, but only those phloxes that grow on acidic soil are susceptible to such a disease.

A nematode (a very small thread-like worm) can settle on a plant, which sucks the juice out of it. A sign that there is such a pest on phlox is mutilated inflorescences, crushed flowers and thinned shoots. The infected plant is dug up and destroyed (burned). The soil must be treated 3 times with nematocides, while maintaining an interval between treatments of 3 weeks.

Naked slugs at night can eat leaves, flowers, and even the lower part of the shoots. Systematic loosening of the soil and weeding is an excellent prevention against slugs. In case of severe infection, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil surface with wood ash, fluffy lime or tobacco dust mixed with ash. Butterfly caterpillars present on the foliage can be removed manually. With a strong infection, the plants are treated from leaf-eating pests.

Planting and caring for annual phlox

The planting of such phlox is very similar to that used for annuals. However, when planting plants in the spring, it will be necessary to pour a layer of mulch (humus or dry peat) on the soil surface. The distance between the bushes should be left quite large (about 50 centimeters), since in a few years they will grow quite strongly. When purchasing seedlings of such flowers in autumn, they should not be planted in open ground. It is recommended to dig seedlings to a depth of 20 to 25 centimeters, choosing for this a site protected from gusts of wind, and snow should also linger on it in winter. After freezing of the soil, it is necessary to cover the plants with dry foliage or peat.

Sometimes it is allowed to plant perennial phloxes in open ground in the fall. A bush that has grown and lost its beauty can be divided in autumn (from mid-August to mid-September). For disembarkation, side delenki are used, and the central part is thrown out. In autumn, phloxes are also transplanted to a permanent place, which were planted in spring with cuttings.

During the autumn planting, compost should be added to the soil, and peat is added to the sandy soil, and sand to the clay soil. The wells are placed at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other. The divisions are lowered into them and the roots are straightened horizontally, it is necessary to dig shallowly (about 4–5 centimeters). In dry weather, watering is done after 2-3 days (within 14 days). 2 liters of water are taken per bush. The dried surface of the soil must be loosened and sprinkled with a four-centimeter layer of mulch (humus or peat).

The rules of care are similar to those used for annuals. But such plants need to be fed 5 times per season, with the last time fertilizers are applied to the soil during seed formation. For top dressing, a solution consisting of 5 liters of water, 10 g of superphosphate and 5 g of potassium sulfate is used. You need to feed in the evening after watering, while avoiding contact with the solution on the foliage. If you take care of the plants correctly, then they can be grown in one area for 7 years.

Cuttings of these plants can be carried out during the entire period of intensive growth. The beginning of cuttings falls on the time when the stem reaches a height of 5 centimeters, and the end - on the last September days. Cuttings taken from the plant in spring and summer are best rooted. The plant can also be propagated by layering. Before the plant blooms, its shoot is bent to the surface of the soil, fixed along its entire length and spud with a mixture of peat and humus. In autumn, the young plant is separated from the mother bush and planted in a permanent place.

Features of care after flowering and in winter

Annuals can grow in the spring of next year, but their decorative qualities will be low. After collecting the ripened seeds in the autumn, remove the remains of the plants, and dig the soil, while removing the remaining rhizomes.

In a snowless winter period, the growth buds of phloxes are likely to freeze out during frosts of about minus 10–15 degrees. If it is colder than 20-25 degrees, then this will lead to the death of the root system. In this regard, in the autumn, the dried upper part of the plant must be removed, and the root collars must be covered with a layer of soil mixed with peat. From above, they should be covered with dried leaves, straw or spruce branches. With a snow cover of 50-60 centimeters, phloxes can easily withstand thirty-degree frosts.

Here we will just talk about the annual phlox, Drummond's phlox (Phlox drummondii), which differs from its perennial counterparts that bloom already in autumn. Joyful and elegant annual phloxes have recently been somewhat supplanted by other flowers for summer cottages and garden plots. However, in my opinion, they are so joyful, elegant, they deserve much more popularity.

Everyone who has ever tried to grow it on their plot or balcony falls in love with this bright relative of the perennial phlox. In addition to a lush and long flowering period, the unpretentious annual phlox is very decorative and has an amazing aroma, a rich set of flowers and colors. Most often it is used to create borders around flower beds, along paths, for group plantings in prefabricated flower beds.

Phlox is an annual, branching strongly from the very base of the stem. Plant height is from 20 to 40 cm. The flowers are medium-sized, each small phlox flower is about 1 cm in diameter, collected in a corymbose inflorescence. The shape of the flower itself is different for different varieties of phlox: they are simple, double, spike-shaped, star-shaped or dissected. The color of the flower is purple, lilac, blue, red, pink, white, maybe with an eye in the middle.

Annual phloxes come in peach, chocolate, beige, whipped cream and coffee shades, while perennials are dominated by pink or raspberry colors. Annual phloxes attract attention with the unusual structure of a flower - similar to a snowflake.

Annual phloxes come in peach, chocolate, beige, whipped cream and coffee shades, while perennials are dominated by pink or raspberry colors.
The name of the plant comes from the Latin - Phlox drummondii.

Growing method: seedlings / in the ground.

Family: cyanotic.

Origin: North America, Texas.

Height: 35-40 cm.

Flowering: long and abundant from late June until frost.

Flower color: varied (white, pink, red, cream, lilac, purple with or without an eye in the center of the flower).

Required location, soil: sunny place, requires fertilized soil., grows especially well with regular watering. Caring for phlox

Phloxes are light-loving, cold-resistant and relatively drought-resistant plants. They do not like when the soil overheats.

Phloxes bloom from June until frost. It is planted in different types of flower beds. Tall varieties of phlox are cut for bouquets.

Phlox is propagated by seeds. Seeds for seedlings are sown in March. Shoots appear after 5-7 days. Flowers are planted in the ground in May, depending on the height of the variety, 12-15 cm are left between plants. When the weather is hot and dry, young phloxes need to be watered. In order for them to bloom well, they need to be fed. Phlox seedlings are fed 2-3 times after picking with nitrogen fertilizers with an interval of 7-10 days.

Then, when the plants are planted in the ground, they are fed at intervals of one and a half to two weeks with complete mineral fertilizers. Plant feeding is carried out until August. In undersized varieties of phlox, faded inflorescences need to be cut off. On sale, phlox seeds are most often offered in mixed colors.

Phloxes develop more successfully not only on fertile soils with good aeration, but also necessarily require sufficiently moist areas. Therefore, for abundant flowering, phloxes need both regular top dressing and abundant watering in the first half of the growing season.

Phloxes wake up very early in the spring, as soon as the ground thaws. The root system of these plants consists of a mass of rather thin highly branched roots located in the upper soil layer (3-15 cm deep) and not penetrating deeper than 25 cm inside. Therefore, it is useful not to loosen the soil around the phlox bushes, but to mulch (with peat, humus, wood chips, leaf litter, etc.).

Such a mulch helps to retain moisture, which phlox needs no less than fertilizers. Mineral fertilizers are scattered under the mulch at the rate of 1 sq.m: 15-20 g of potassium chloride, 20-25 g of ammonium nitrate and 15-20 g of superphosphate, or a spring version of a complete mineral fertilizer for flowering plants.
Phosphorus and potassium are also necessary for phloxes in spring, as they contribute to the development of the root system, an increase in the number of new roots growing at the base of each young phlox stem.

In the second decade of May, liquid feeding of phloxes is carried out, diluting 1 liter of mullein infusion into ten liters of water or 0.5 liters of chicken manure or 20-25 g of ammonium nitrate, and also adding 15-20 g of potash and phosphorus fertilizers. The approximate consumption of the solution is half a bucket of fertilizer per square meter of plantings. The same feeding of phloxes should be carried out in late May - early June, the proportion of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers is increased (up to 30 g of each of them are applied).

From mid-June, nitrogen is limited in fertilizing for phloxes, and when a large amount of organic fertilizers are applied during site preparation or regular mulching, they do not give at all. Phosphorus is added more, dissolving 70-80 g of phosphate and potash fertilizers per ten liters of water. When the weather is dry, the site should be well watered before top dressing and also after it.

Thanks to the amazing features of annual phlox, exquisite designs can be created in the garden. Many colors of plants are planted in unusually beautiful compositions, combining with other crops. Phloxes are annuals, about planting plants and what kind of care they need, will be discussed in this article.

Phloxes have conquered many flower growers with their sophisticated beauty. They are undemanding in care and develop on different soils.

Features of annual varieties:

Annual phloxes, planted and cared for in the open field in accordance with the rules of agricultural technology, will delight with a long flowering period, heady aroma from spring to frost.

Today, there are more than 70 varieties of the plant, but only half of them are grown in gardens. Annual phloxes look beautiful on alpine slides, flower beds, along garden paths, in containers and pots.

A popular culture blooms with lush hats, more than 90 small stars are collected in one inflorescence - flowers with five petals. Phlox annuals: planting and care, photos and descriptions are given below. They have an amazing property - the ability to change their appearance depending on natural manifestations: on sunny days they become bright, on cloudy days their shade darkens noticeably.

Agrotechnics of cultivation and methods of reproduction of annual phloxes

Phlox annual, planting and care in the open field - cultivation rules:

There are certain secrets of growing seedlings:

• Seeds are sown superficially, laying out on the surface of the soil in February-March.
• During the period of seed germination, they need to provide a sufficient amount of heat (23-26 degrees) and moisture. The greenhouse germination method is used: the bowls with crops are covered with a film.



• After the formation of two pairs of true leaves, picking is carried out. Plants are planted in containers at a distance of 15 cm from each other. During this period, it is necessary to lower the temperature to 20 degrees Celsius.



• When 5 pairs of leaves are formed, the seedlings are pinched to form a lush bush.

Important! Planting seedlings allows you to achieve a longer and more lush flowering.

Phlox annuals: growing from seeds, when to plant? Sowing material is prepared at the end of winter or at the beginning of spring. It is early sowing that allows you to get early flowering - the end of May. The first shoots appear after 1-2 weeks. After the plants have grown stronger, and the threat of spring frosts has passed, phloxes are planted in a flower bed.

Phlox annual - care

Planting an annual phlox and caring for it in the open field is simple - do not interfere with the plant's development.

Professionals offer the following care rules:

• In extreme heat, the plant is watered regularly and abundantly in the evening. After planting the seedlings, the bushes are watered every 2 days. For 1 sq. m of soil should account for about 20 liters of water.



• After the rains, a careful surface loosening of the soil is carried out. In the middle of summer, it is necessary to hill the bushes to form a powerful root system. Loosen the soil at least 7 times during the growing season.
• Timely removal of weeds that suck out nutrients from the soil and additionally shade the bushes. In addition, only a clean flower bed looks neat and tidy.



• Constant pinching will help not only create a lush bush, but also increase the splendor of the buds.
• Regular application of nutrients, 4 times during the growth period: in late spring - with manure, in early June - with manure and superphosphate, in mid-July - with manure, in August - with potash and phosphorus fertilizer.



Advice! Additional application of ammonium nitrate will help form lush flower stalks.

It will not be superfluous for a flower grower to know how to collect phlox seeds. Moreover, the procedure is very simple. To complete it, you need to choose the most magnificent hats that have already begun to turn yellow. After the last flower dries up, they are cut off and placed in a cloth or paper bag. When the seeds are fully ripe and the boxes dry, they fall into the same bag. The gardener will only have to get the seed and sort. Only large specimens are suitable for use. Until spring, the seeds are stored in a dark and dry place.

Dangerous diseases and pests of annual phlox

Light-loving phloxes are practically not affected. Fungi infect the plant only if the rules of care are violated. The most dangerous diseases are:



Fragrant bushes are a favorite delicacy of naked slugs, caterpillars. Also, the plant is very often affected by nematodes.

Tricks of Success

Professional gardeners have their own tricks that they use when growing lushly flowering phloxes:




Success in cultivation is determined by the condition of the plant. In skillful hands, phlox blooms at the beginning of summer and pleases with its grace until the first frost. Some gardeners grow the flower as a pot crop.

Varieties of annual phlox

Annual phloxes, planting and care in the open field of which does not require special work, are planted by many gardeners.

Phlox annual, varieties:

• Promise Pink is a compact bush, only 20 cm high. The color of the flowers is rich pink with an exquisite aroma. This variety is successfully used to create decorative flower beds, when grown in boxes and containers. The variety is planted along garden paths and for zoning plots.



• The twinkling star is a medium-sized bush, 25 cm high. The shape of the flower is an asterisk with pointed petals. The variety is grown in flower beds, in containers. It is with them that many decorate balconies and loggias.



• Constellation - a variety with large flowers, the diameter of which is 3-4 cm. This variety impresses with its variety of colors. Even the most sophisticated gardener will be able to choose a shade to their liking. White, pink, yellow, orange, blue inflorescences add volume to the bush.
• Star rain is a tall bush, reaching 50 cm. The shape of the flower is a star. This is perhaps the most resistant variety to adverse weather conditions. The plant perfectly tolerates summer heat and winter frosts. For abundant and bright flowering, it is recommended to plant a crop in sunny areas.



• Terry - a medium-sized bush of a new selection. It is impossible not to fall in love with this plant, because it blooms with large double flowers of various colors. Terry phloxes are most often used to create a beautiful design for balconies and loggias.



When choosing a variety of annual phloxes, one should be guided by personal preferences and climatic features of the region. Fragrant flowers will become the hallmark of the garden plot and will delight for a long time with their beautiful flowering.