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When to plant Phlox in Nassau County, FL

Plant Phlox in Nassau County after February 14; the prime window is January 31–February 21.

When to Plant Phlox in Nassau County, FL

Nassau County, Florida Zone 9a June

June to-do list for Nassau County, Florida

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nassau County, Florida this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost February 14
Avg. first frost December 1
Soil temp (4") 85°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Pick phlox

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

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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.

Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 290 days.

At an elevation of 408 feet, Nassau County receives approximately 57.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101°F, so Phlox may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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
Nassau County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
290 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
290 growing days
First Fall Frost December 1

Nassau County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Phlox Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (176 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 13 Transplant: Jan 24 🌸 Bloom: Apr 4 – May 30
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (178 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 20 Transplant: Jan 31 🌸 Bloom: Apr 11 – Jun 6
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (160 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 26 Transplant: Mar 9 🌸 Bloom: May 18 – Jul 13

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 Nassau County

How your county's soil matches Phlox's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–5.8) is more acidic than Phlox prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Nassau County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Phlox will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Phlox.

How to Plant Phlox

0.3"
Planting Depth
18"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Phlox

4
successive plantings in your 290-day season

Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.

Phlox Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 426 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 6.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nassau 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 needs ~2,446 GDD — county provides 7,493 GDD Excellent fit

Phlox Planting Timeline — Nassau County, FL

Phlox Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 20 Dec 20 – Jan 3
Transplant Outdoors January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 14
Direct Sow January 31 Jan 31 – Feb 21
Bloom April 11 Apr 11 – Jun 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

290 days in Nassau County

Growing Tips for Phlox in Nassau County

Direct sow Phlox outdoors after February 14 in Nassau County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Nassau County dries quickly — mulch Phlox with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 101°F in Nassau County, provide afternoon shade for Phlox and water deeply in the morning.

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Phlox in Nassau County, FL?

Nassau County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Nassau County, FL?

Nassau County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 1.

When should I plant Phlox in Nassau County, FL?

In Nassau County, FL, plant Phlox after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Nassau County, FL for Phlox?

Nassau 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 Nassau County's climate?

Yes — Phlox grows well in Nassau County's temperate climate. Nassau County averages a 291-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 1.

🌱

Your Nassau County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Nassau 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 Nassau County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.