Cherry Caramel, Phlox Seed

0.25g seed packet 
 
Annual Cherry Caramel Phlox produces wave after wave of flowers in a gorgeous, subdued tan colour with cherry red centers. The branched stems are excellent as cut flowers, and they really fill a patio container. Annual Phlox thrives in cooler weather, so if it wanes in high summer, cut it back to 5cm (2") and expect a second flush of flowers in late summer and hard frost. 
 
Start indoors in soil blocks or cell trays 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds should germinate in 5-10 days. Pinching young plants creates branching and abundant blooms. Annual Phlox will produce blooms all season long, until hard frost.
 
Starting
Just cover the small seeds, and germinate at 16°-18°C (60°-65°F). Thin or space transplants at 20-30cm (8-12") apart.
 
Growing
This cool season plant may slow down in the heat of high summer. If this happens, cut the plants back dramatically to just 5cm (2"), and await a second burst of blooms as autumn approaches. Be sure to keep irrigated in hot weather, particularly in containers.