Prairie Phlox Seeds
Phlox pilosa
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring; the best temperature for germination is 65 degrees F.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate occasional drought, though they prefer moist soil and will benefit from watering in dry weather. Deadhead for increased blooming. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often spreads, and is highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This plant makes an excellent choice for borders or containers, and tolerates clay soil.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open and release their seeds. Gather the pods as soon as they have begun to turn brown, but before they burst open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Spread the pods out to dry. As soon as they have completely dried, break open the pods and remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Downey Phlox, Ozark Phlox
Latin Name: Phlox pilosa
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 18,900
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 20 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Aromatic, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
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The first botanical records of native phlox first appear in Hortus Elthamensis, botanist Johann Dillenius' published description of a famous experimental garden near London in 1732. This garden, under the care of famed English botanist William Sherard, contained several species of wild phlox from America. From that time on, gardeners seemed to agree with horticulturist Karl Foerster that "a garden without a phlox is a mistake." In the language of flowers, phlox symbolizes either the union of souls or sweet dreams. In Victorian times, a bouquet of phlox often indicated a timid proposal of marriage. The name "phlox" comes from the Greek word for "flame," while the species name "pilosa" means "hairy" in reference to the texture of the foliage.
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. This seed can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before planting in the spring; the best temperature for germination is 65 degrees F.
Growing: Water seedlings until they become established. Mature plants tolerate occasional drought, though they prefer moist soil and will benefit from watering in dry weather. Deadhead for increased blooming. If seeds are not required, cut the plant back after blooming has finished. This plant often spreads, and is highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. This plant makes an excellent choice for borders or containers, and tolerates clay soil.
Harvesting: For cut flowers, choose stems with flowers that have just opened. Strip the foliage that will fall below the water level, and place in water immediately.
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small pods will form that eventually open and release their seeds. Gather the pods as soon as they have begun to turn brown, but before they burst open; watch them carefully to prevent loss, since the seeds can easily be blown away by the wind. Spread the pods out to dry. As soon as they have completely dried, break open the pods and remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: Downey Phlox, Ozark Phlox
Latin Name: Phlox pilosa
Species Origin: US Native Wildflower
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
US Regions: Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 18,900
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Height: 20 Inches
Color: Pink
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Aromatic, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant