HOW TO GROWING PHLOX FROM SEEDS

HOW   TO   GROWING  PHLOX   FROM  SEEDS

If  your West Coast garden could use some color, one of the many phlox plant varieties may do the trick. Phlox species come in two varieties — tall-growing and creeping. The tall-growing species is ideal as a background in the garden, while the creeping variety can be grown to form a colorful carpet. The plants produce star-shaped flowers that come in such colors as white, blue, red and purple, with some species producing bicolored flowers. If you prefer to start your plants early, starting them indoors is ideal.

1.Begin the phlox seed-starting process approximately eight weeks before the last frost date in your area.

2.Select a container to start your seeds. Choose a seed-raising tray with drainage holes in the bottom. If you are using empty yogurt cups or the bottom part of an empty milk carton, manually make holes in the bottom.

3.Wash your seed-raising container. Add 1 part chlorine bleach to 9 parts water and mix the liquids together. Soak the container in the mixture for five minutes and set it aside to air-dry.

4.Fill the container with moist potting soil to within 3/4 inch of the top. Lightly press down on the soil with your fingers so it sits firmly in the container.

5.Sow the seeds. Place the seeds on the soil with a 1-inch distance between them. Sprinkle soil over the seeds. Aim for a planting depth of 1/8 inch.

6.Moisten the top layer of soil with warm water. Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil — this will keep the seeds intact and won't rinse them away.

7.Cover the container with a clear plastic bag to help the soil retain moisture. Seal the bag with an elastic band. Keep the plastic approximately 1 inch above the soil surface. Stick a plant name tag in the soil to help hold the plastic up.

8.Place the container in a dark, warm area of the house. Phlox seeds need a temperature of 65 F to germinate. Use a space heater for additional heat, or place a heating pad under the seed-raising container.

9.Wait for the seeds to germinate. This can take anywhere from five to 10 days. Check the soil moisture regularly throughout the germinating period. Aim to keep the soil moist at all times.

10.Relocate the container to a bright area of the house. Remove the plastic from the container once the seeds start germinating. Place the container in a sunny window to expose the seedlings to at least 12 hours of light. Continue moistening the soil as needed.