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Phlox is also known as flame flower. The name is already an indication of the colorful and magnificent landscape of flowers that the perennial presents in the summer months. We will show you 3 methods to propagate phlox.

In a nutshell

  • simplest propagation: division
  • harvested seeds may not be true to variety
  • Always cut cuttings without flower buds
  • always rinse well afterwards

Propagate by division

The best time for this popular type of propagation is in late fall or early spring. At these times, the metabolism of the perennial has shut down. As a result, it is only visible as a root and can be divided more easily. Make sure that the ground is not frozen and that you can get into the ground well with the spade. You should divide your phlox every three to five years to prevent overgrowth. Otherwise, phloxes could compete with each other for nutrients and light. How to properly propagate phlox by division.

Manual:

  1. Cutting and Punching: Remove dead shoots and dig around the phlox with a spade. Loosen the root ball from the soil and lift the flame flower out of the soil.
  2. Division: Use a sharp knife or spade to cut the perennial vigorously between the shoots. If it is a large root ball, you can also quarter it.
  3. New location: Once you have chosen a new, sunny location, dig up some soil there. Then mix this with compost and use part of the root ball.
  4. Diploma: Distribute the soil mixture in the hole. Water the new perennial properly.
Prick around the phlox with a spade and thus loosen the root ball from the earth.

Before dividing the phlox, you should disinfect your knife or spade to avoid the transmission of bacteria. Do you still want Phlox at your original location? Then you should replace the soil before planting to avoid diseases.

Notice: The perennial should have enough space to dry and spread out in its new location.

Propagation by cuttings

The right time is important here. This is in the spring before the flower buds set in. Only use healthy phlox mother plants for this type of propagation.

Manual:

  1. To cut: Just below the leaf node, cut off 5 to 15 centimeter long shoots without flower buds. The length depends on the size of the phlox. We recommend pruning the front part of the plant as this is where the flowering time is longer and you get more of it.
  2. Remove leaves: Remove a good 1/3 of the bottom leaves.
  3. Stick cuttings: The cuttings must not dry out, which is why you should hurry with the transfer. Put the shoot in a pot filled with moist seed compost. Place the drive so deep that it is stable.
  4. Location of the pot: Put the pot in a warm and bright place.
  5. Pour: Water the cuttings and keep them moist at all times. Avoid waterlogging.
  6. Plant out: Once roots have formed, you can plant the perennial.
Cushion phlox, carpet phlox (Phlox subulata)

Propagate by seed

The sowing of the flame flower happens automatically in autumn. This serves to propagate your own phlox species. But you can also harvest these ripe seeds. You should keep in mind that the resulting plant is not varietal and can flower differently than the original plant. If you want a certain color or a certain growth form, such as ground cover or high-growing phlox, you should buy the seeds from a specialist shop. This way you avoid surprises in your garden.

How to multiply the seeds in a seed pot:

  1. Preparation: Fill the seed pots with soil. Water the pots properly.
  2. sow seeds: Punch a small hole in the center of the ground. A single seed is placed in each hole. Close the hole with light pressure.
  3. Cover: Cover the seed pots lightly and place them in your greenhouse or on the windowsill.

It is advisable to sow the phloxes from February, as you will then already have flowering phloxes in spring. If you take seeds from your own harvest, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Since Phlox is a cold germ, you can also sow the seeds directly in the flower bed provided. We recommend:

  • Leave self-harvested seeds in the refrigerator for a few days
  • Harvest the seeds and scatter them at the desired location - do not plant too deep
  • Direct sowing outdoors possible in spring and autumn
  • Germination time: 15-25 days
  • Patience: by the following spring at the latest, you can expect a splendor of flowers

frequently asked Questions

Does phlox need to be fertilized?

You only need to fertilize the perennial phlox once a year. In contrast, the annual phlox should be fertilized regularly every two weeks. Pay attention to low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as compost or nettle stock.

How to prevent pests and diseases?

You should pay attention to the optimal location of your plant. There should be enough space and the flame flower should be watered regularly. Mulching also prevents infections. Nitrogen fertilizer will harm your phlox. Remove dead plant parts regularly.

What must be considered when sowing cold germs?

Cold germs, which also include the phlox, need a cold stimulus after sowing. Therefore, you should either sow the plant outdoors in cold temperatures or allow them the cold in breeding pots. This is the only way Phlox can germinate and multiply in the best possible way.

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