Phlox paniculata

Germination

Sow Jan-March for flowering same year. Sow Apr-July for flowering following year. Sow in October for overwintering. Soak seeds for 10 minutes, place in a polythene bag with a little damp compost. Cold stratify for 4 weeks at 4°C. Then sow seeds onto seed compost, cover with a fine layer of compost. Germination takes 14-28 days at 4°C or 7-14 days at 15-18°C. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on at 10°C. Pinch out growing points when the plant is 8cm tall to encourage a compact habit.

Growing

Either plant into containers or the garden directly. Set the crown of the plant 4cm below the soil surface. Space 60-90cm apart. Ensure the plants are not crowded or shaded. If dry water, this is obvious as the leaves will wilt. Once established requires little attention.

Cultivation

Plants can be chopped back at the end of may to create shorter bushier plants. You can fertilise in early spring and early summer. Divide congested plants in Mar-Apr. In autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant trim back to ground level.