Phlox annual planting and care in the open. Phlox annuals: growing from seed when planted in open ground. Seedling method of reproduction
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 Rus'), 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 summer time a lot of attention, and at the same time they 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, for decoration garden beds and flower beds, only 15-20 species are used, but the flowering of these varieties can be admired 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 enough high areas land, it is possible even on beds with a height of no more than 15 cm. 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 ground water located fairly close 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. For 1 square meter the surface of the soil 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, 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.
Phloxes are fed for the first time in early spring 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 feed ammonium nitrate in the 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 the 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 different ways, including from seeds, although this is not so simple. 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 the seeds at a distance of 0.5 cm from the surface, they are unlikely to germinate simply because phlox seeds necessarily require sunlight. 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 Sun rays fell on all the shoots 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, they should then 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.
The only species of annual Phlox is Drummond, named after the English botanist who brought this flower from America to Europe. And so began the history of the development and breeding of new varieties in Russia and Europe. It is amazing beautiful flower no less popular than perennial phlox. Has a lot different varieties, shapes and shades of color. Phlox care guide.
Annual phloxes: varieties, descriptions and photos
The main and only one annual type of Phlox is Drummond's Phlox, which has several varieties:
Annual Phlox Drummond
Phlox Drummond "Constellation" - the flowers of this variety have various bright and light shades of colors, are about three centimeters in size in diameter, and have a fragrant aroma. The plant is highly branched. Inflorescences in the form of small corymbs. This variety of annual Phlox is used for cutting, and it is also planted in groups in flower beds.
Phlox "Constellation" pink-red
Phlox Drummond Promise Pink - this variety belongs to undersized phlox, grows up to 20 cm in height. The flowers are unusual, terry pink colors. This variety is liked to be used to decorate rocky hills and flower beds in gardens.
Annual phlox - planting and care
Annual phloxes are unpretentious when growing and caring for them. They are not particularly demanding on the soil, however, they grow better in fertile soil. All annual phloxes bloom from June to September, withstand frosts down to -2 degrees. Sites for planting annual phloxes should be chosen sunny. Read which ones exist and what they look like.
On sunny days, annual phloxes acquire a brighter color than on rainy and cloudy weather.
To care for this plant, it is necessary to regularly loosen the earth around the flower and water it moderately. You can fertilize the flowers with a mineral complex a couple of times. For more lush and long flowering, it is better to pluck faded twigs and inflorescences.
- Phlox annuals are grown from seed in early spring.
- The best time to sow seeds is early or late March. The thing is that the seeds germinate very slowly, it takes at least three weeks.
- Sowing should be kept at a positive temperature of about 12 - 15 degrees and evenly watered.
- When the first leaves appear, seedlings should be planted in pots to strengthen the root system.
- Then, at the end of May, the fortified plants are already planted in the ground.
The homeland of plants is the south of the USA (Texas). Thanks to the English traveler and naturalist G. Drummond (hence the name of the culture), in 1835 flower seeds came from America to England. They liked the new plant very much, and after a few years it could be seen in almost all local gardens.
1. Characteristics of the plant
2. Choosing a site for planting phlox
3. Phlox propagation methods and seed preparation for planting
4. Soil for sowing
5. Growing seedlings and transplanting phloxes in open ground
6. Planting phlox seeds in open ground
7. Basic rules for caring for Drummond phlox
8. The combination of Drummond phlox with other plants
9. The main diseases of Phlox Drummond
10. Pests of annual phlox
11. Measures for the prevention of diseases and pests of phlox
Phlox Drummond photo
An interesting fact: in the USA, phloxes were not cultivated as garden flowers. They were introduced into culture following the example of England. Currently, Drummond's phloxes are very popular with both landscape designers and amateur flower growers.
Annual phlox Drummond description
Annual plants with bright coloring of inflorescences and various forms of petals, blooming until late autumn. The height of a horticultural crop usually does not exceed 45-50 cm. Breeders also bred medium-sized (22-25 cm) and undersized varieties (10-15 cm). Phlox Drummonds are valued for their long flowering period and wide range of colors. They are quite resistant to low temperatures, withstanding short frosts down to -3 degrees, which can harm the inflorescences, but not the leaves and stems. Therefore, after the adverse effects of frost, plants quickly recover.
Choosing a site for planting phlox
The soil where phlox is planned to be planted should be nutritious and loose. Heavy loams and sandy soils are not suitable for flowers. Stagnation of water and damp air adversely affect plants. They should not be planted close to trees and tall shrubs to avoid shade, as phlox prefer sunlight. Surprisingly beautiful garden flowers do not like the wind, especially the northern one, and this should be taken into account when choosing a flower garden, providing for the protection of plants from cold air currents.
Methods for propagating phlox and preparing seeds for planting
Phlox Drummond is grown in two ways:
- seedlings in this case, flowering will begin in May - June,
- sowing seeds directly into open ground, the first flowers will appear no earlier than July.
Sowing phlox seeds for seedlings
In addition to varietal phloxes, breeders have bred a fairly large number of hybrids. The first can be propagated independently by collecting seeds in the fall and drying them well. With hybrids, everything is much more complicated, because in "home" conditions they will not give offspring similar to their parents. It is not necessary to moisten the planting material before sowing. But to increase germination, it can be soaked in water. room temperature, putting the container with seeds in a warm place for 2-3 days.
Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in March or early April in pre-prepared containers, for example, boxes or pots of peat.
Soil for sowing seeds
Great fit ready ground for phloxes from the store, or compiled independently from soddy and leafy soil, peat and sand in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 0.5. All ingredients are mixed together and placed for 24 hours in a freezer for disinfection, or calcined in an oven at a temperature of 200-250 degrees.
Seedling care and transplanting in open ground
Most often, the seeds are planted in a common container, followed by picking. To do this, small depressions are made in the soil, seeds are placed in them, which are lightly sprinkled with earth, and preferably with sand! and well moisturized from the sprayer! Shoots usually appear in two weeks, sometimes earlier. Plants in the future should be moderately watered and kept at a low, preferably the same temperature. About three weeks after germination, seedlings dive into separate pots. General rule picks - when 2 - 3 true leaves appear.
Young plants are fed primarily with nitrogen fertilizers (for good growth of green mass), and 10-12 days after that - with complex fertilizers. Do not get carried away with excessive watering, as an excess of moisture can cause rot.
Planting phlox seedlings in a flower bed
When the threat of frost has passed, the seedlings are planted in open ground. IN different regions countries, the timing of this agro-event may differ. For example, in middle lane Russia to deal with the transplantation of phloxes on permanent place possible in May (subject to weather conditions), in Siberia - in the first decade of June. The distance between seedlings (taking into account the characteristics of the variety) should not be less than 12-15 cm. undersized phlox budding occurs earlier than in higher "brothers". After planting in the flower garden, young plants must be fed with complex fertilizer.
Planting phlox seeds in open ground
When sufficiently stable warm weather sets in in the spring (usually in May), Drummond phlox seeds can be sown in open ground. With this method of planting, plants begin to bloom in July. In the selected area where it is supposed to break a flower garden, grooves of small depth are made in the ground, watered well, then the seeds are placed in the recesses and sprinkled with soil. To better preserve moisture, the future flower garden can be covered with a special fiber. After the emergence of seedlings, they are looked after like seedlings: fertilized, watered, thinned out if necessary.
Basic rules for caring for Drummond phlox
Beautiful and long flowering is ensured by the right agricultural activities. In addition to complex and nitrogen fertilizers, experienced flower growers recommend adding yeast fertilizer to the soil (about 1 time in two weeks), which can be prepared from ordinary bread by soaking it in warm water for 24 hours (100 grams per 1 liter). If you use ordinary dry yeast, you will need quite a bit - at the tip of a knife (per 1 liter of water). It is better to refrain from organic fertilizers, since in this case the plants begin to grow green mass at the expense of flowering.
Mulching - covering the soil with peat, small wood chips, leaves, humus, reduces the frequency of irrigation and protects the phlox roots from heat. Since the root system of plants is located close to the surface of the earth, the loosening of the soil is carried out shallowly. Reasonable watering is a guarantee beautiful flower garden. It should be borne in mind that low-growing varieties and hybrids are more sensitive to a lack of water in the soil than tall plants(40-50 cm). With an excess of moisture, their roots rot, as a result of which phloxes often die, and with a lack of water, they practically stop flowering. To make the plants lush, pinch their tops when the flowers have 6 or 8 true leaves.
The combination of Drummond phlox with other plants
Phloxes of Drummond look great on ordinary flower beds, flower beds - flower beds in the form of a long strip (1.5-3 m wide), borders (narrow strips 0.4-0.5 m), rockeries - compositions using stones of different sizes. Since the roots of plants are located close to the surface of the earth, this property can be used by placing phloxes in pots. These flowers are very interesting in combination with other plants, together forming a luxurious carpet of different shades. For example, Drummond phloxes look great next to verbena, ornamental tobacco, mealy sage, irises, tulips, snapdragons, bluebells, etc., as well as ornamental herbs.
The main diseases of Phlox Drummond
Annual phloxes are less likely to be affected by diseases than perennial varieties. But still they are subject to this unpleasant phenomenon.
Viral diseases
Diseases caused by fungi
With powdery mildew, the most dangerous disease caused by fungi, manifested by white bloom on leaves and stems, you can fight with fungicides (Fundazol, Topsin, Skor, Topaz, Fitosporin, etc.). Fungi attack plants mainly in wet weather with big amount precipitation, as well as with an excess of phosphorus or nitrogen in the soil. For the prevention of powdery mildew in mid-June, it is recommended to treat the plants with a weakly concentrated solution of a fungicide.
Phlox Drummond can get sick with verticillium wilt. It most often develops in areas with acidic soil. To reduce the risk of wilt, the soil is treated with ash diluted in water, or lime is added to it. If phloxes are still infected, you need to treat them with appropriate drugs as soon as possible, for example, Fitosporin or Topaz.
On the leaf plates of plants affected by septoria, spots appear that increase in size over time, which leads to leaf fall. The disease is treated by spraying (2-3 times every 7-10 days) Bordeaux mixture (1%), copper oxychloride (0.5%), suspension of foundationol (0.2%).
Annual phlox pests
Bright and fragrant phloxes are very attractive to many pests. It is no secret that it is much easier to provide prevention than treatment, but it is often necessary to treat. The main pests of phlox:
caterpillars
Caterpillars of various butterflies (for example, cabbage whites or garden scoops) are gluttonous, destroying leaves and flower petals. These pests are controlled different ways: manual collection of caterpillars, timely destruction of weeds, spraying with insecticides (for example, Inta-Vir or Karbofos). During flowering, it is not recommended to treat phlox with chemicals.
Black fleas
These bugs pose the greatest danger in the spring. They eat young leaves and shoots of phlox, moving to them from weeds. Therefore, one of the ways to protect against black flea is to fight weeds. You can catch bugs with the help of fabric flags (strips), which are impregnated with a special sticky substance. Amateur gardeners often use dusting (preferably in the morning) of phloxes with wood ash, slaked lime (fluff), ground black pepper, a mixture of tobacco dust and wood ash, or spray flowers with a solution of 70% vinegar (2 tablespoons per 10 liters of water ). Treatments are usually carried out 3 times, maintaining an interval between them of 4-5 days. With a large accumulation of beetles, you can apply insecticides in accordance with the instructions. In autumn, the ground on the site should be carefully dug up. Some gardeners use a solution of flea shampoo (2 caps per bucket of water) made for dogs to control insects.
Nematodes
Phloxes of Drummond are sometimes affected by leaf and stem nematodes - small thread worms that feed on plant sap. At the same time, the stems become crooked, the flowers are small, the upper leaves become filiform. Often, plants can not cope with the attack of pests and die. If the infection of the site with nematodes is too strong, phloxes can no longer be saved. Therefore, diseased plants must be dug up and burned, and the soil treated with formalin or bleach. The fight against thread worms can be carried out with the help of nematicides - preparations from the group of pesticides, but they are very toxic. Therefore, apply them to garden plot highly undesirable.
Slugs
Slugs that eat shoots, leaf blades and inflorescences are a great danger to phloxes. The fight against them is often carried out mechanically: they are caught manually or with the help of traps. As baits, improvised materials are used: boards, slate, dense fabric, cardboard, linoleum, which are laid out on the site and moisten the ground under them (preferably with the addition of beer). Slugs accumulated under traps are collected and destroyed. Along the perimeter of the flower garden, you can pour ash, lime, small fragments of brick, etc. materials that prevent pests from entering the area with phlox. Obstacles can be washed away by rain, therefore, after precipitation, the dressing of the territory adjacent to the flower garden should be repeated. To scare away slugs next to phlox, it is useful to arrange green protection by planting plants with a rather sharp or spicy smell: garlic, parsley, sage, rosemary, coriander, marigolds, etc.
slobber penny
In May-June, phlox can be harmed by slobbering pennitsa. Its larvae settle on the underside of the leaves and suck out the juice from them, as a result of which the plant weakens, develops poorly, and does not bloom. If there are few pests, they can be controlled by tearing off parts of the infected plant and destroying them. When mass destruction along with the mechanical method, phloxes are treated with special preparations, for example, Inta-Vir. In doing so, special attention should be paid to inside sheet plates.
Measures for the prevention of diseases and pests of phlox
Preventive measures help to save phloxes from diseases and pests: spring and autumn digging of the soil (about one bayonet of a shovel), timely destruction of weeds, cleaning of fallen leaves, changing planting sites, applying complex fertilizers to the soil. In the spring, it is useful to cultivate the land with preparations containing copper.
Flowers with scents that repel pests also work well, such as marigolds, marigolds, pelargonium, tansy, and many others. And they also scare away pests and look great on the flower bed onions, garlic, sage, basil, celery.
Phloxes are native to North America. The harsh climate of this country endowed them with strength and vitality. They are very popular in European countries, and in Russia they have earned the love of flower growers due to their unpretentiousness and pleasant appearance. According to the flowering time, phloxes are spring, summer and summer-autumn. There are about 70 types of phlox, but only a little more than half of them are grown.
Phloxes belong to herbaceous cultures from the Sinyukhov family and are similar in description to hydrangeas. The appearance of representatives of this genus differs even within the same species. Characteristics vary depending on climatic conditions. For example, at an altitude of 4 km, mainly undersized and bryophyte crops grow. They have branched stems and evergreen leaves. The culture reaches a height of 5-25 cm. In more favorable conditions, you can find upright bushes 30-180 cm high.
Basically, phloxes have an upright stem shape. The foliage is located opposite, the edges of it are solid. The leaves are oval-lanceolate or oblong ovoid in shape. Flowers are about 2.5-4 cm in diameter. They are collected in complex inflorescences of 90 pieces. The fruit looks like an oval box.
All phlox that can be grown in the garden are perennial crops, but there is an exception. Phlox Drummond and many of its varieties are annual.
The following plant varieties are distinguished:
- 1. Star rain. The variety is resistant to drought and frost. Its representatives bloom for a long time. The plant looks like a shrub up to 0.5 m high with a straight stem that branches heavily. Inflorescences in the form of brushes, have a pleasant smell. The flowers are shaped like stars. For this variety, you need to choose a bright place.
- 2. Twinkling star. The culture is a small shrub up to 25 cm high. The difference is pointed petals. Thanks to small sizes The plant is grown not only in open field but also at home. For example, you can plant in a flower pot and leave on the balcony, windowsill. The flowering period lasts from early summer to late September.
- 3. Terry phlox. The variety appeared relatively recently. It is named so because of the unusual structure of the petals. The shrub itself is 20-30 cm high. It is covered with large inflorescences, which are in the form of corymbs. Their shades are very different: white, pink, cherry. This culture is also great for growing in pots.
- 4. Constellation. The variety has light and bright shades. Inflorescences are no more than 3 cm in size. They have a pleasant fragrant smell. The plant is highly branched. Inflorescences are in the form of corymbs. Usually this variety is used to create bouquets, as well as for growing in groups in the garden.
There are still undersized annual phloxes. They grow to a height of only 20 cm. They look like branched shrubs, their foliage is pubescent. These varieties are great for growing on windowsills, balconies. An example is Promise Pink: terry inflorescences have a pink tint. This variety is usually used for flower beds in gardens and rockeries.
Growing phlox from seeds
When growing from seeds, it is better to use the seedling method: this will help to avoid freezing of seedlings. In addition, in this case, the flowering time will be longer.
Preparation of seeds for planting should be carried out from the end of February to mid-March. Thanks to this, the seedlings will appear in 2 months - in May. And if at the same time sow seeds in open ground, then the buds will bloom only by the end of September.
Growing seedlings involves the following steps:
- 1. Prepare pots. It can be containers, boxes, cells, peat pots. Be sure to have holes at the bottom for draining water.
- 2. Pour drainage into the bottom of the pot. You can make a layer of 2 cm from pebbles, gravel, expanded clay, small stones, broken slate or brick.
- 3. Prepare the substrate. The soil should be loose and include rotted pus, peat, sand, lime, mineral additives. The substrate is supposed to be poured into a pot and moistened before sowing the seeds.
- 4. Prepare seeds for sowing. It is recommended to pre-hold them in water for several hours or a whole day.
- 5. Plant the seeds in the ground. Planting material is supposed to be shallow. It is enough to scatter them on the surface and press a little with the palm of your hand. Spray the top with water from a spray bottle.
- 6. Cover the container with transparent plastic wrap or glass and place in a warm place with good lighting. The temperature must be at least 23 0 С.
- 7. Ventilate the container every day: remove the top cover for a while, such as half an hour. Spray the soil periodically. It is necessary to shake off the formed condensate from the film.
When the seeds begin to open, the film is supposed to be removed. After about 1-1.5 weeks, the first shoots will appear.
After the first true leaves are formed on the seedlings, after 2 weeks you need to pick, that is, plant the sprouts so that there is a distance of 15 cm between them. The temperature should be 20 0 C. When upper layer the soil dries up, it is moistened with a spray bottle. For hardening, the temperature must be reduced to 15 0 C. Gradually, the frequency of irrigation should be increased. When 4 true leaves appear, pinching is required so that the bushes become more lush in the future.
In May, plants are planted in open ground. It is necessary to ensure that the soil on the site is saturated with humus. If the soil is too heavy, then you need to add peat, sand, organic fertilizers. The best soil option is non-clay, sandy with an average level of acidity.
It is best to choose a place in partial shade, where there is no direct sunlight, otherwise they will leave burns on the plant. A distance of 20 cm is required between shrubs. Planting should be carried out in small holes. It is previously recommended to add up to 150 g of wood ash to them. Place the root system there, straighten it and sprinkle it with earth. In the end, it remains only to compact it and water it.
Care rules
Caring for annual phlox involves the following activities:
- 1. Watering. It should be moderate, but regular. Usually 1 sq. m enough 1.5-2 buckets of water. It should be at room temperature, settled. You can use rain. In dry weather, watering is recommended in the morning and evening. Water is supposed to be poured directly under the root. It should not be too cold, otherwise the roots will crack.
- 2. Loosening the soil. This needs to be done only 2 times a month. In the second half of the growing season, it is additionally required to hill the crop: thanks to this, the root system will form much faster.
- 3. Top dressing. It should be done several times a season. Both mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable for this. At the end of May it is necessary to use liquid manure. It will take 25 g per bucket of water. At the beginning of summer, it is necessary to add the same amount of potassium salt and superphosphate to this product. In July, it is again supposed to use liquid manure. In August, it is necessary to fertilize the culture with phosphorus and potassium salt - 1 tbsp each. l. for 2 liters of water.
- 4. Mulching. It makes the soil breathable and prevents drying out. Leaves, dry peat, compost, humus are suitable as mulch.
- 5. Pinching. Young shrubs are supposed to be processed in such a way that they then branch better.
- 6. Cropping. When the inflorescences wither, it is necessary to cut them off so that the plant retains its decorative properties and attractive appearance. appearance. Thanks to this, flowering will be longer. In addition, this will prevent further self-seeding. Around the middle of autumn, the stems are cut at ground level. You don't need to leave stumps.
If you liked the planted varieties of phloxes, then after the formation of the fruits, you can collect seeds for further breeding of such a crop. To do this, when the branches, along with large boxes, begin to turn yellow, they must be cut. In the future, the seeds will already ripen in a fabric bag or paper envelope. But cellophane bags are not recommended. When the box cracks, it remains only to sort the largest and most ripe seeds. The material should be stored in a dry, dark and cool place until the next season.
Annual phloxes can suffer from some pests:
- drooling pennitsa;
- slugs
- nematodes;
- black flea;
- caterpillars.
Annual phloxes can suffer from such viral diseases:
- leaf curl;
- ring spot;
- necrotic spotting;
- filiformity of leaves;
- variegation.
It is possible to cope with fungal diseases that phloxes are susceptible to:
- white spotting;
- verticillium wilt;
- powdery mildew;
- rust;
- phomosis.
They are caused by high soil moisture and low temperatures air. Save plantings from them will help special tools with fungicidal properties. For example, you can use Bordeaux liquid, Fundazol. The treatment will have to be repeated in a week. In more advanced cases, the plants are destroyed so that the fungal infection does not spread to other plantings.
Difficult to find household plot without bright colors. Most flower growers every summer season try to replenish their flower collections with new specimens. Phlox Information annual cultivation from seeds when planting will help everyone who wants to plant these wonderful annuals in their garden.
Phlox flowers annual description, photo
Phloxes are herbaceous, unpretentious plants of the cyanotic family. The Phlox genus unites almost 85 species, about 40 are cultivated. They bloom very beautifully, have a pleasant aroma. Almost all phloxes are perennials. Only one species is annual - Drummond's phlox.
It grows up to 60 cm tall, has a branched, erect stem. Leaves are oval-lanceolate, saturated Green colour, arranged oppositely on the stem.
The flowers are not too large, 2-4 cm in diameter, five-petalled, the petals are funnel-shaped. Very fragrant, brightly colored, collected in inflorescences up to several dozen in each. Blooms from June until frost. A mature plant produces a fruit-box full of seeds. Through selective breeding, there is a wide variety of Drummond varieties today.
On a note! Despite the diversity colors, more often there are plants of salmon or pastel color.
Species, plant varieties
The main features that significantly distinguish Drummond varieties:
- Flower shape. It happens star-shaped, wheel-shaped, terry.
- Plant size. There are high - 50 cm and dwarf - less than 20 cm.
Star-shaped plant varieties come in different heights 12 cm - 40 cm, their hallmark- dissected petals resembling an asterisk. Popular representatives:
- "Star rain" - the bush grows 50 cm high, drought-resistant, blooms for a long time;
- "Flickering Star" - a short plant, less than 25 cm, very miniature, can be grown in an apartment;
Terry varieties growing up to 30 cm tall are very popular. Dense inflorescences consist of terry flowers of various shades. The most popular variety is "Promis Pink".
There are tetraploid forms, the flowers of which are much larger than usual (more than 4 cm in diameter). Large-flowered representatives grow up to 30 centimeters. Especially attractive inflorescences of red shades. Some representatives of large-flowered forms: "Tall bright red", "Tall white".
Popular undersized varieties: "Defianz", " Snowball”, “Salmona”, “Leukantenum”.
Notice! All varieties of Drummond, except for large-flowered ones, give good self-seeding, germinating next summer.
Features of growing annual phloxes from seeds
Annual phloxes are grown by sowing seeds directly into the ground or through seedlings.
The seedless sowing method is used in spring (late April - early May). Planting material is laid out on the ground, observing a distance of 4 centimeters. Then, gently moisten and cover with a film. Crops are ventilated daily, monitor the condensate on the film, shake off the excess. After the emergence of shoots, the film is removed.
The seedling method is used in early spring (early March, you can capture the end of February), given the tight germination of Drummond seeds. After sowing, seedlings appear in 10-15 days, the main condition for their emergence is warmth (+22C). The appearance of the first two leaves in the sprouts is a signal for picking. Planted outside at the end of May.
Attention! When sown immediately in open ground, phlox will bloom in August.
Necessary conditions for growing seeds
Seeds of annual phlox are difficult to germinate. They are covered with a thick shell. Therefore, they are not embedded in the ground, laid out on top of the earth, well moistened, then covered with a film or glass. Periodically, the shelter is removed, airing the seed material, carefully monitor the moisture content of the soil mixture. From time to time, the contents of the seedling container are moistened with a spray bottle. After about two weeks, shoots will begin to appear.
Sowing dates
Phlox Drummond seeds are frost-resistant, which allows it to be sown before winter. Crops can germinate during thaw periods. Therefore, they are either sheltered for the winter or sown in early December in the snow, sprinkled with dry earth and a thick layer of snow. This method is not very reliable.
It will help to avoid the risks of losing planting material by sowing seedlings in early spring. If this is not possible, then the seed material is planted in April immediately in a flower bed, three seeds per hole. Plants planted in this way bloom late, but bloom until frost.
On a note! If you apply both methods of planting, you can achieve flowering phlox all summer until late autumn.
Preparing seeds for sowing
For the seedling method of germination, the seeds are specially prepared. They are soaked for a day in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or soft water. Then dried, warmed up in the sun. After a couple of hours, the seed can be used. Seeds are laid out on the moistened surface of the soil mixture, covered with a film.
What containers are needed for sowing
You can germinate Drummond in a bowl, at least 10 centimeters high, since the root system of the plant is well developed. Suitable wooden boxes, peat cups, special greenhouses or plastic containers. The latter are covered with lids, so it is more convenient. Containers must have drainage holes. It is better to use small containers so that they can freely fit on the windowsill.
Important! Seeds of annual phlox germinate only when on the surface of the soil. They should not be buried.
Soil (composition, characteristics)
Land for seedlings can be purchased at a garden store. It is called "Soil for seedlings of garden and horticultural crops." Requirements for the composition of the substrate - loose, fertile, light, with neutral acidity.
The soil mixture can be prepared independently. Take equal parts of garden soil, humus, compost and mix. The mixture is calcined in the oven to disinfect. On the eve of sowing, the soil mixture is shed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, additionally disinfecting.
Seed sowing technology
Seedlings can be sown throughout March, by the beginning of summer the seedlings will begin to bloom. A specially prepared nutrient soil mixture is poured into a container (box), with a layer of 6 - 8 centimeters. Three days before sowing, the soil begins to be watered so that it is moderately moist. On the eve of planting seeds, watering is stopped.
The seeds prepared in the above way are laid out on the surface of the earth, observing a distance of 3 centimeters. If picking is not provided, the distance is increased to 8 cm. The container is covered with a lid and placed in a warm place.
Lighting is not needed yet, the main thing is warmth. While the seeds germinate, the temperature in the room should be 22 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, the process may slow down. Every day, seedlings are ventilated, preventing the formation of rot, monitor soil moisture.
On a note! Drummond seeds germinate in the dark.
Seedling care
When the first shoots appear, this is after about 10-15 days, the film or other cover is removed, the container is exposed to the light. Carefully monitor soil moisture. At this stage, crops can be ruined by root rot if the soil is waterlogged. Drying out of the soil should also not be allowed. While the sprouts are small, it is better to water from a spray bottle.
Small seedlings begin to reach for the sun. So that they do not stretch, the container with sprouts is periodically turned in different directions to a bright light. Constantly monitor the uniform illumination of landings.
Young seedlings can be hardened off. The air temperature in the room where it is located is lowered to 19 degrees. Carefully monitor soil moisture. Water as the top layer dries.
Seedling care (hardening, picking)
Seedling hardening continues until temperature conditions its development will not come close to the street. Plantings will be fine on a balcony or loggia if they are grown in an apartment. At first, while the weather is cold, the sprouts are taken out to the balcony only during the day. It is preferable that the balcony is south, otherwise it should be glazed. Landings can not be placed in a draft.
Too bright sun is dangerous for young sprouts, they need light partial shade. Gradually, seedlings are accustomed to fresh air. While they are not peaked, the temperature on the balcony is maintained at about 18 degrees Celsius. Watering seedlings produced as the soil dries.
After the appearance of two true leaves, the sprouts are ready for transplantation (picking). It is not worth delaying the procedure; large seedlings tolerate picking worse. They dive into separate containers filled with fertile soil mixture, trying to keep the roots intact. Freshly picked seedlings shade for two to three days. Rooted sprouts continue to harden, leaving at night on the balcony.
A week later, the pickled seedlings begin to be fed with a complex flower fertilizer diluted with water. The frequency of top dressing is once every two weeks before planting in a flower bed.
Advice! Densely sown seedlings need picking. If the sprouts in the planting container are located at a sufficient distance from each other (about 10 cm), then the picking can be omitted.
Choosing a landing site, soil
The flower prefers sunny areas with fertile soil. In a shaded place, it will grow, but the quality of the inflorescences will become worse. But the flowering period will increase. Wet landing sites should be avoided. High groundwater and lack of drainage will destroy the seedling.
With seeming undemanding to the ground, Drummond will not be able to grow on acidic or heavy, blocking soils. Light loam works well. Sand, compost, leafy soil, organic fertilizers are added to heavy loams. The flower bed is prepared in the fall. Digging is carried out, achieving a crumbly soil structure. All necessary additives are added.
Remember! All annuals bloom much brighter in the sun than under trees, and feel better in partial shade.
When and how to plant seedlings in the ground
With the advent of buds, towards the end of May, seedlings are planted in a flower bed. First, the seedlings are well watered so that they can be easily removed from the container. Digging holes. The distance between them is 15 or more centimeters, depending on the seedling. 
The size of the planting hole should be comfortable for the root system of the sprout. The hole is filled with nutrient soil mixture and a seedling is placed there along with a clod of earth. If necessary, add the soil mixture, gently tamp with palms, pour water. Then mulch with dry soil. For the next two weeks, the seedlings are watered every two days with moderately warm water, avoiding waterlogging of the soil.
On a note! If you pinch the main shoot of the seedling, then the phlox bush will be lush.
Caring for annual phlox (watering, fertilizing, tying)
After "moving" plantings to a permanent place of residence, the most time-consuming part of the work of growing Drummond ends. Further care not much different from caring for any flower crop. Necessary actions:
- Regularly, moderately watered under a bush in the morning or in the evening, a bucket of water per 1 m2 of plantings.
- Loosen the soil around the bush 8 times per season.
- In July, they spud to form a root system, pinch the shoots to create a splendor of the bush, to accelerate the onset of flowering.
- Carry out regular top dressing, three times a summer. The end of May - manure and superphosphate, the end of June - fertilizer for flowering plants, liquid manure, the end of July - ammonium nitrate.
- Constantly mulch the ground around the bushes. Mulch prevents the soil from drying out.
- Tied up. Tall varieties need a garter that protects them from breakage by the wind. Tie to a stake or fence.
Important! Fresh manure should not be applied under phlox, various rots may occur.
Potential Growing Problems
Drummond is considered an unpretentious flower crop, but it also has difficulties with growing:
- prefers well-lit places;
- overheating of the roots should not be allowed;
- ceases to bloom with insufficient or excessive watering;
- high humidity hinders growth;
- without top dressing does not bloom well.
Solving these problems is not difficult if you want to decorate your garden with a bright specimen.
Diseases and pests (treatment)
All plants are susceptible to diseases and are affected by various pests. The annual phlox is no exception.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: phomosis - the leaves dry out, the stems become brittle. For prevention, the bushes are sprayed with colloidal sulfur in warm weather; septoria - dark spots appear on the leaves, gradually growing. They are treated by spraying plantings and earth with Bordeaux liquid, after 15 days the treatment is repeated; powdery mildew - a bloom similar to flour appears on the bushes. Such a plant is dug up and burned, it is impossible to cure it.
Variegation. Petals, stems are covered with an ugly pattern. Treatment is not subject. Sick specimens are dug up and burned to prevent infection of the rest of the plantings.
Verticillium wilt. The disease destroys the root system. The disease is typical for specimens growing on acidic soils.
Pests
Nematode. A filamentous, very small worm that sucks juice from stems and leaves. In diseased seedlings, the stems become thinner, the inflorescences become smaller. Such a bush is burned. The soil is treated with nematicides three times with an interval of twenty days.
Naked slugs. In the dark, they eat the lower part of the stem, inflorescences, leaves. Dusting the soil with ash, tobacco dust, fluffy lime serves as a preventive measure and fight against slugs. Systematic loosening of the soil, weeding will also help in the fight against them.
Butterfly caterpillars. They get rid of caterpillars by collecting them manually, plantings are treated with special preparations from leaf-eating pests.
Important! Many diseases are acquired with planting material. Seedlings purchased from the market may be infected with the virus.
Flower care during and after flowering
The main care for Drummond during the flowering period is timely top dressing. The abundance and varietal color of the grown specimen depends on them. This period can be divided into three phases:
- Budding. Starts from the first days of June. Buds are actively appearing on the bushes. The use of fertilizing containing nitrogen is stopped. They can lead to cracking of the stems. Use potash fertilizers with wood ash. Dilute a glass of ash and 10 g of potassium sulfate in 10 liters of water. Such a cocktail makes the color of the inflorescences brighter, prolongs the flowering period. Ten days later, they are fed with superphosphate at the rate of 15 g per 10 liters of water. Both dressings are produced at the root.
- Bloom. Falls at the end of June - July, depending on the method of sowing. If the landings were made in open ground, then everything shifts by about a month. Top dressing is carried out in order to improve the quality of inflorescences, increase the duration of flowering and prevent fungal diseases. It is performed with special fertilizers with trace elements purchased in garden stores. To preserve the beauty of the bush, faded inflorescences are removed.
- The post-flowering phase is the time for the formation of seed pods. On this life cycle annual phlox ends. Bushes can be left to winter under cover. They can overwinter and bloom. But these will no longer be the beauties that landed in the flower bed the previous spring. Therefore, it is better to collect the seeds, remove the dried flowers and dig up the bed.
Remember! Any feeding is carried out in the evening hours. Liquid - after abundant watering. Dry (granulated) - before watering or before rain.
How to collect seeds
Preparation for collection begins when the plants are still in full bloom. They choose and mark the ones they like the most by tying a rope to the stem. hybrid varieties, marked with the sign F1, do not take. They do not retain varietal characteristics.
At the time of ripening, the seed pods begin to turn yellow, then, in dry and calm weather, in the afternoon, they are cut off along with the stem. For ripening, they are laid out in paper bags, on which the variety and color of the plant are indicated. In the same bags they are stored until the next season, putting them in a dry, dark place.
Conclusion
By following all the instructions for growing annual phloxes from seeds, and knowing when to plant them, gardeners will receive a wonderful decoration for their site, as well as admiring glances and remarks from all who see this miracle.
