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When to plant Phlox in Hamilton County County,

Hamilton County County's spring Phlox window runs February 18 through March 11. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.

When to Plant Phlox in Hamilton County, FL

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.

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 279 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Phlox during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Phlox will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Phlox root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Good for cutting Fragrant
Hamilton County, FL (Zone 9a) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26
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Hamilton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.7

Drainage

Well Drained

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 3.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 8.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 8.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hamilton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Phlox Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, FL

Phlox Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 7 Jan 7 – Jan 21
Transplant Outdoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Bloom April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 24

Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Bloom
May Bloom
June Bloom
July
August
September
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Hamilton County

Growing Tips for Hamilton County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Phlox in Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hamilton County, FL?

Hamilton County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Phlox in Hamilton County County, ?

In Hamilton County County, , plant Phlox after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Hamilton County County, for Phlox?

Hamilton County County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.

Can Phlox grow in Hamilton County County's climate?

Yes — Phlox grows well in Hamilton County County's temperate climate. Hamilton County County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

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Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hamilton County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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