Phlox Seeds

Drummond's Phlox is a charming, low-growing annual loved for its rounded clusters of small, five-petalled starry flowers carrying a soft, sweet fragrance. It blooms in a vivid mix of pinks, reds, whites and purples on compact plants reaching roughly 0.1-0.5 m in height and spread, making it a favourite for border fronts, edging, rockeries and patio containers where its long-lasting colour really shines.

Planting

Sow the seed about 3 mm deep and cover it well, as this phlox needs darkness to germinate. Keep the soil at around 16-18C and seedlings should emerge in about 5-10 days. In Egypt grow it as a cool-season winter annual: direct-sow in the open garden from early-to-mid October, or start in a nursery tray in early October and transplant in late October to early November. Since phlox dislikes root disturbance, direct sowing is often best; thin seedlings once the first true leaves appear, spacing plants about 20-30 cm apart in full sun (it tolerates partial shade) in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.

Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen, favouring potassium, so plants put energy into flowers rather than excess leaf. Apply a balanced slow-release feed at the start of the growing season, then supplement with a liquid feed during flowering to keep the display strong.

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, watering at the base and avoiding wet foliage to limit fungal disease. Phlox can suffer powdery mildew and leaf spot, so ensure good air circulation and adequate spacing. Watch for spider mites, which cause fine yellow stippling; treat early with insecticidal soap. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, which runs roughly December through April before the spring-summer heat ends the season. In hotter Upper Egypt, sow early and give light afternoon shade.