For planting a garden there is a huge number of beautiful plants. The choice depends on the gardener's preferences. To the beloved many plants can safely be attributed to the floks of Drummond . For many decades he enjoys well-deserved respect, because this annual is unpretentious in care and has the most diverse coloring, in contrast to perennial phloxes, which are mainly pink and crimson.
Previously, the cultivation of Drummond's phlox was troublesome and inefficient, because the seeds in the dense shell germinated very reluctantly. For sowing seeds, it was recommended that they be buried in the soil by at least 0.5 mm. But over time, the technology of growing from the seeds of Drummond's phlox was improved, which led to excellent results.
Phlox Drummond - Planting and Care
The end of March is the best time to plant the Drummond's phlox. From the moment of sowing to flowering, it takes from two to two and a half months, depending on the conditions of detention.
Any pottery can be used for sowing seeds. You can sow both in the boxes for seedlings, and in disposable plastic cups per piece. The advantage of planting in the cups is that when growing, the plants will not interfere with each other and there will be no need to dive the seedlings, and a transplant into the open ground will be painless, since the root system is not injured.
The earth for germination of seeds should be light, freely passing water. You can pick up both the purchased soil mixture and mix it in equal proportions with humus, river sand and peat. Before sowing the soil should be well moistened and spread on it seeds with equal intervals, not deepening. On top of the seeds, sprinkle a thin layer of the same soil and moisten well from the spray.
The secret of a harmonious germination of seeds lies in the maintenance of high humidity of air and soil. To do this, crops should be covered with film or glass. If the container is small, like a plastic cup, then each one is put on a small cellophane bag and fixed around the rim. For germination of seeds, the temperature is optimal from 20 to 28 degrees. The container is removed to a dark place before germination, but as soon as shoots appear, it is put on a sunny place and the film is removed. Seedlings at this time become very sensitive to moisture, and they can be hit by a black leg. The temperature must be lowered so that the plant does not stretch. As soon as the second pair of leaves appears, the seedlings can be dived into large containers.
In order for the phlox bush to have an attractive, lush shape and to be compact, it must be plucked at least twice, until the moment of transplantation to the street. Prishlipku produce over the second pair of leaves, when the plant reaches a height of 10 centimeters.
With the onset of May, the plant is already ready for planting in the open ground. Phlox Drummond prefers well-lit areas of the garden, where there is no excess moisture, where rainwater does not stagnate.
Care for an adult plant is the regular fertilizing and loosening of the soil after watering. So ka floks is quite unpretentious and easily tolerates drought, there is no need for frequent watering. It is good to water it only at the first time after landing in the ground. But regular fertilizing with complex fertilizers will benefit the plant - the bloom will be more abundant, and the colors will become more saturated.
With good care, Drummond's flock pleases with flowers from May to October, even at autumn low temperatures.