3 Review(s)

From June through August, free-flowering phlox cultivar flings out constellations of bright-eyed blooms.Full DescriptionThis flower-crazy phlox rocks! ‘Popstars’ quickly transform a border into a razzle-dazzle galaxy of tiny starlike blooms in ultravivid colors. From June through August, free-flowering phlox cultivar flings out constellations of bright-eyed blooms, petite bicolor stars with serrated edging and marbled coloring. Compact, prodigiously floriferous 8-10 inch plants perform magic in the border and dazzle in a patio container. Easy-to-grow, self-cleaning plants tolerate all kinds of weather..How to Sow and PlantSowing Seed Indoors:Sow phlox indoors 8 weeks before the last frost.Sow seed 1/8 inch deep in seed starting formula.Keep evenly moist.Seedlings emerge in 11-21 days at 65 degrees F.As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.Planting in the Garden:Select a location in full sun with good rich moist organic, well-draining soil.Give plenty of space when planting to ensure good air circulation and prevent powdery mildew.Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-8 inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.The addition of organic matter (leaf mold, compost, well-rotted manure) benefits all gardens and is essential in recently constructed neighborhoods.Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For annuals an organic mulch of shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It's best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary. Good air movement is also important.After new growth appears, a light fertilizer may be applied. Keep granular fertilizers away from the plant crown and foliage to avoid burn injury. Use low rates of a slow release fertilizer, as higher rates may encourage root rots.Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.Plants may need extra water in dry periods but are generally tolerant of high heat.Pinch off spent flowers for continuous bloom.This colorful annual can be used in beds, borders, rock gardens, edgings, patio containers, and cutting gardens.It looks marvelous massed as an annual groundcover.