Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Mid summer to late summer
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Notes:
A 6-8in mum pan works well due to the shallow root system and wide growth habit.
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Early to mid spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Notes:
An 8in mum pan works well due to the shallow root system and wide growth habit.
Growing Temperature:
60-65° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
1.5-2.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Light to moderate fertility levels, 75-125 ppm N constant liquid feed or low rates of controlled release fertilizer.
Vernalization:
6-8 weeks of temperatures between 35-40° F.
Pests & Diseases:
Aphids, thrips and spider mites are the main insect pests. Hybrid Spring Phlox are not as susceptible to disease as P. subulata, but there are still several pathogens that should be watched for. Botrytis, Phoma, Anthracnose, mildews, Rhizoctonia, Thielaviopsis, Colletotrichum and Fusarium are all fungal pathogens to watch out for. Plants should be regularly scouted and preventatively sprayed as needed.
Potting & Timing:
When planting from 72ct plugs in the summer, allow sufficient time to bulk up before overwintering, often 10-12 weeks for a premium 1 gallon container.
Moisture:
Moderate to slightly dry moisture levels are preferred. Good drainage is essential.
Planting Level:
Plant plugs with the crown even with soil line, bare root with crowns just on top of the soil line
PGRs/Pinching:
Phlox planted from plugs should be pinched once or twice once the plugs start actively growing to encourage additional lateral branching. PGRs are not typically required, but Uniconazole (Sumagic/Concise) at 5 ppm may be used to tone plants if necessary.
Lighting:
High light levels result in the highest quality plants and flowers. Once phlox has received enough cold treatment, plants are day neutral and can be forced to flower at any day length.