Phlox for the winter: preparation
Phlox are frost-resistant crops that are left to winter in the open field. But in order for the plants to survive in the cold, they need to be properly prepared. It is recommended to cover non-frost-resistant phloxes for the winter. In addition, all flowers should be provided with good conditions in the fall. Then they will have time to gain strength before the cold weather.
Bacteria and pests accumulate in the soil. To protect the plants, you need to treat the soil with fungicides, for example, “Fundazol” or “Fitosporin-M”. A similar event should start around the end of September. But residents of the southern regions can postpone processing to mid-October.
It is better to cover some varieties of phlox for the winter.
Apply fungicides in dry, calm weather. Water the flowers well two days before processing.
Fertilizers should be applied 14-15 days after applying fungicides. But do not use nitrogen preparations, because they will provoke the growth of the green part of the flowers, and then the phloxes will not tolerate the cold. Use potassium-phosphorus fertilizers as an autumn top dressing. For example, pour 1 tbsp under each bush. l. superphosphate mixed with ash.
Preparing phlox for winter
In order for the flowers to endure frost, they must be cut off, preferably before feeding. For early varieties, a similar procedure is carried out in mid – late September. Late varieties of phlox can be pruned in October as well. Be guided by the climatic conditions of your region. It is necessary to finish with this event before the onset of frost.
Cut off the entire ground part of the plant, leaving small stumps 10 cm high
In order to prevent freezing of flowers, mulch the soil immediately after applying top dressing. For these purposes, use peat or humus. Experienced gardeners recommend mulching the soil with horse manure. Each bush requires ¾ a bucket of peat. If you use manure, then you need half a bucket. Cover the plants if desired. This will improve their survival rate.
The crops should be covered with spruce branches, dried tops or brushwood. But in no case use a film or roofing material. Plants will be wiped out under these materials
Preparing phlox for the winter period is a very important event, without which the plants will not survive the cold. Give the crops a little of your attention, and they will calmly endure even severe frosts and will delight with their friendly flowering in the next season.