A Guide to Buying Perennial Phlox Seeds for Your Garden

With their clusters of cheerful, colorful blooms, phlox are a treasured flower for any garden. Perennial phlox varieties come back year after year, providing lasting beauty. If you want to grow phlox from seed, perennial phlox seeds offer a very affordable option compared to buying starter plants. Here is an in-depth guide to finding and purchasing perennial phlox seeds online or from retailers.

Overview of Perennial Phlox Varieties

There are two main categories of perennial phlox:

• Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) which grow 2-4 ft tall in clumps,

• Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) which form a carpet-like mat no more than 6 inches high.

Popular tall garden phlox include David Bright Eyes Orange Perfection, White Admiral, and Blue Boy. Creeping phlox varieties include Emerald Cushion, Purple Beauty, Red Wings, and White Delight. Most phlox prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They attract pollinators with their fragrant, nectar-rich flowers.

Where to Buy Perennial Phlox Seeds

There are several sources to purchase perennial phlox seeds:

• Online specialty seed retailers – Websites like Bulk Wildflower Seeds or Eden Brothers have good phlox seed selection.

• Amazon – Amazon sells many phlox seeds from various brands. Check reviews.

• Online plant retailers – Sites like Breck’s, Park Seed, Michigan Bulb Co., Wayside Gardens, etc. carry phlox.

• Big box stores – Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart sell a limited selection of popular phlox seeds.

• Local nurseries – Well-stocked independent garden centers may sell individual phlox seed packets or mixes.

In general, online seed specialists will offer the widest variety of phlox seeds at competitive prices. Be sure to check if the phlox seeds are for annual or perennial varieties.

What to Look for When Comparing Phlox Seeds

When shopping for perennial phlox seeds online or locally, there are several factors to consider:

• Variety – Select specific phlox cultivars suited for your growing conditions. Read variety descriptions.

• Quantity – Packets contain anywhere from 25 to over 1,000 seeds. Buy in bulk for big areas.

• Price – Expect to pay about $5 per packet or $25 per pound for common varieties. Rare kinds can cost $10+ per packet.

• Seed source – Reputable suppliers and growers offer high germination rates. Avoid cheap seed packets from unknown sources.

• Organic vs conventional – Organic seeds are pricier but appeal to organic gardeners. No major difference in plant performance.

• Shipping costs – Watch for excessive shipping fees, especially on individual seed packets.

• Guarantee – Legitimate sellers will replace seeds if they fail to germinate when properly planted.

When to Plant Perennial Phlox Seeds

One tricky aspect of growing phlox from seed is that they require a cold period before germination. So timing is important:

• Spring – Sow indoors 6-10 weeks before last frost date. Use a cold frame or refrigerator stratification.

• Summer – No good. Heat is too intense for tiny seedlings without adequate root development.

• Fall – Ideal! Sow seeds outdoors so they undergo natural winter dormancy. They’ll sprout the following spring.

• Winter – Seeds need light to germinate, so avoid sowing until mid/late winter to early spring.

I recommend purchasing perennial phlox seeds in late summer or fall and sowing them right away in prepared garden beds for germination the next spring.

Caring for Phlox Grown from Seed

Phlox started from seed require patience as they establish slowly at first. But care is minimal:

• Water regularly until roots develop. Mature plants are quite drought-tolerant.

• Apply general purpose fertilizer in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas.

• Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Deadhead regularly.

• Prune leggy stems in spring to maintain compact form.

• Divide dense clumps every 2-3 years to promote vigor and flowering.

• Remove plants every few years to control disease and replace with fresh young ones.

With proper growing conditions, perennial phlox from seed can thrive for many years, providing vibrant color in the garden. Take advantage of the wide selection of phlox seeds available for your landscaping needs. Just be sure to sow them at the right time of year for success!