If you want to turn your garden into a flower paradise, you should grab phlox: We show you how to propagate phlox with cuttings and co.
Anyone who falls into a collecting mania at the sight of the phlox can live it out without a guilty conscience. The phlox (Phlox) not only looks good, it is also easy to propagate.
Do you like the phlox in the Botanical Gardens in Frankfurt? No problem, just ask in the fall if you can take a few seeds with you. And the beautiful one in the rock garden of a family friend? You might get an offshoot. Beautiful phlox doesn't have to cost a lot, because there are a number of ways to propagate.
Propagating Phlox by seed
Phlox flowers profusely and for a long time and produces a corresponding number of seeds. Most of the time it self-seeds in the fall, so that old plants are automatically replaced by young phlox. However, you can also harvest the ripe seeds in the fall. Since phlox seeds need a cold period to germinate, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground in the fall. If you plan to bring the plants forward or sow them in spring, you can store the seeds in the fridge for at least four weeks beforehand. Plants from self-collected seeds often have a wide variety of colors. This brings a wonderfully large variety to your garden. If you prefer a specific colour, you can either purchase seeds or propagate adult plants by cuttings or division.
Propagating Phlox by cuttings
Phlox is easily propagated by cuttings. In the spring, before flowering, cut off a nice shoot. The cutting should be about 15 centimeters long. For small phlox species, cuttings with a length of 5 to 10 centimeters are sufficient. Remove the lower leaves and put the shoot in potting soil mixed with sand. The pot with the cuttingsshould be placed in a warm and bright place and always keep the soil moist.
Tip: Creeping phlox species in particular can also be planted directly in the garden. Take several cuttings together and plant them in a cluster for more lush growth.
Propagation via roots is an alternative, especially for creeping phlox species. You can dig up the plant after flowering and cut off fleshy root pieces about two inches long. Place them horizontally in a pot and bury it a few centimeters deep.
Propagating Phlox by Division
Late fall, winter or early spring are best for sharing. Then the metabolism is reduced and only the root is left of the high flame flowers. Dig up the phlox and split it in two or three with a sharp spade.
You can then plant the phlox. We have compiled more on this topic for you here.