Phlox (perennial) Growing Guide

 

Common Name garden phlox, summer phlox, fall phlox, tall phlox
Genus  Phlox
Species P. paniculata 
Family Polemoniaceae
Life Cycle  Hardy Perennial 
Format Perennial Plugs
Plug Care Pot up or plant soon after arrival.
Netting / Staking Not necessary but 1-2 layers of netting could be   beneficial for taller varieties in windy zones. 
Temperature Range Hardiness zones 4-8
Spacing 12-24"
Soil Preference Fertile, moist but well draining soil. Amend soil with  compost and granular fertilizer before planting for best  results. 
Day Length Long day plants - flower in the summer. Plant in full sun. 
Pinching Do not pinch 
When to Plant Plant plugs in the spring upon arrival. They may arrive   looking dead, or with no top growth at all - this is   because they are still dormant and have not yet woken   up. If new growth has started, keep from freezing. 
Harvesting Expect a few flowers the first season after planting, but the main harvest will come 2-3 years after planting when the plants have matured. Harvest stems when a few of the flowers have opened and the remaining buds will open in the vase. After harvesting, cut the remaining stem down to the ground and the plant will resprout and reflower in the same year, extending your harvest. 
Post Harvest Care Place cut stems immediately into cool water. Can be   stored in the cooler for a short time - best to use a floral   conditioner. 
Diseases / Insects Perennial phlox are notorious for getting powdery mildew in some areas, especially zones with warm, wet, humid summers. All varieties offered by Farmer Bailey have some level of resistance bred into them. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry. 
Bailey's Notes

 "The Fashionably Early series is one of my favorites, and  it does indeed bloom early, is disease free and will give 2-3 flushes of blooms per season." 

As tall phlox becomes overcrowded, flower production will decrease. You may need to divide them every 3-4 years.
Resources  NA