When to plant Phlox in Sumner County, KS
Aim to plant Phlox in Sumner County on or after April 18; the window stays open through May 9. Sumner County's 198-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession.
When to Plant Phlox in Sumner County, KS
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.
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 637 feet, Sumner County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Phlox during the growing season.
Sumner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.8
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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sumner County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Phlox Planting Timeline — Sumner County, KS
Phlox Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Bloom | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Sumner County
Growing Tips for Sumner 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 →
Phlox in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Phlox in Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sumner County, KS?
Sumner County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Phlox in Sumner County, KS?
In Sumner County, KS, plant Phlox after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sumner County, KS for Phlox?
Sumner County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Phlox grow in Sumner County's climate?
Yes — Phlox grows well in Sumner County's temperate climate. Sumner County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Sumner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sumner County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.