When to plant Phlox in Dunklin County, MO
Plant Phlox in Dunklin County from April 3 to April 24 in spring. Dunklin County sits in USDA Zone 7b, with last frost around March 27 and first frost on November 2.
When to Plant Phlox in Dunklin County, MO
Top priorities for Dunklin County, Missouri gardeners in July
July rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Dunklin County, Missouri.
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Start harvesting phlox
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in August — 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.
Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 1,344 feet, Dunklin County receives approximately 33.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Phlox during the growing season.
Dunklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Dunklin County
How your county's soil matches Phlox's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Phlox's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dunklin County is excellent for Phlox — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Phlox.
How to Plant Phlox
Succession Planting Phlox
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 15 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dunklin 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 — Dunklin County, MO
Phlox Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Bloom | June 12 | Jun 12 – Sep 4 |
Plant 0.3" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Dunklin County
Growing Tips for Phlox in Dunklin County
Direct sow Phlox outdoors after March 27 in Dunklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Dunklin County, MO?
Dunklin County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Phlox planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dunklin County, MO?
Dunklin County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Phlox in Dunklin County, MO?
In Dunklin County, MO, plant Phlox after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dunklin County, MO for Phlox?
Dunklin County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Phlox grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Phlox grow in Dunklin County's climate?
Yes — Phlox grows well in Dunklin County's temperate climate. Dunklin County averages a 220-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around November 2.
Your Dunklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dunklin County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.