When to plant Phlox in Cleburne County County,
Plant Phlox in Cleburne County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 1. Continue planting through April 22 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Phlox in Cleburne County, AL
June to-do list for Cleburne County, Alabama
Each item below is timed to Cleburne County, Alabama's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting phlox
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: phlox
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a beloved native perennial of eastern North America, producing large, domed clusters of fragrant flowers atop upright stems from mid-summer into fall. Its sweet honey-like fragrance carries on summer evenings and draws hummingbirds, butterflies, and sphinx moths. Modern cultivars offer colors spanning white, pink, salmon, red, purple, and bicolors. A classic cottage garden stalwart, phlox combines well with black-eyed Susans, echinacea, and ornamental grasses in naturalistic plantings. Select mildew-resistant cultivars for best long-term performance.
Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Phlox during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Phlox, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Phlox root diseases.
Cleburne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Phlox Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cleburne County
How your county's soil matches Phlox's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Phlox's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Cleburne County is excellent for Phlox — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Phlox.
How to Plant Phlox
Succession Planting Phlox
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
Phlox Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Phlox
Phlox needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Phlox Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Cleburne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Phlox Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Phlox Planting Timeline — Cleburne County, AL
Phlox Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Bloom | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in Cleburne County
Growing Tips for Phlox in Cleburne County
Direct sow Phlox outdoors after April 01 in Cleburne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Cleburne County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Phlox. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or transplant container divisions in spring. Named cultivar seeds may not come true; divisions from named plants are the preferred propagation method. Space generously (18–24 inches) and avoid overhead watering to reduce powdery mildew risk. Good air circulation is critical — thin clumps to the strongest 5–7 stems per plant in spring. Deadhead after the primary bloom flush to encourage secondary flowering. Division every 2–3 years in spring keeps plants vigorous. Fall planting of divisions (Zones 5+) is equally effective. Year 2+ plants develop into full clumps with the most prolific bloom.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Phlox in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Phlox in Cleburne County, AL?
Cleburne County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleburne County, AL?
Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 1.
When should I plant Phlox in Cleburne County, ?
In Cleburne County, , plant Phlox after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cleburne County, for Phlox?
Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Phlox grow in Cleburne County's climate?
Yes — Phlox grows well in Cleburne County's temperate climate. Cleburne County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 1.
Your Cleburne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cleburne County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.