Delphiniums


Rich, well-drained soil is a must, because delphiniums are heavy feeders. If you work in compost or well-rotted manure of some kind each spring that will help to keep fertility up. A mulch of leaves will help to keep the organic content up and keep soil cool (they like that too). They like cool summers, so if it's hot where you are, plant them in place that's on the moist, shaded side.

Delphiniums are very hardy plants and need to go dormant in the winter. In fact, in many areas of the south Delphiniums can not be grown because the winters simply aren't cold enough. They can be grown in zones between 9 and 6, and in zone 5 with some protection.

Delphiniums like their soil pH to be neutral, that is, between 6.0 and 7.0 on the pH scale. They can be very healthy over a wide range of acidity or alkalinity though.

Delphiniums need to be deadheaded. See the staking and training section below for details on that.

Plant Delphiniums in spring and fall. Space them at least 2 feet apart so they have room to grow. Plant them in a good spot as outlined above, and keep your young plants moist.

While they are in full leaf and growing rapidly, they like lots of water.

WHAT DELPHINIUMS DISLIKE

  • Wet roots in warm soil. TERRIBLE! Wet soil during cold periods of the year isn't so bad, because they're not in the middle of growing then. Wet soil becomes anaerobic and then roots can't breathe (yes, plants do breathe).
  • Too much water wjust after being chopped back. Less leaves means they can't drink it up and they may rot (you can increase watering again when new shoots are 3 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) high)
  • Soil that is too dry, especially right before flowering.
  • Soil that has low fertility (stems will become brittle and snap easily).
  • A crowded situation (they need air and light on the lower portions)
  • Shade
  • Salt Air

STAKING and SUPPORTING and TRAINING in general

Staking is essential for best results. Even the dwarf varieties will tend to need some.

If you are mainly after cut flowers, and not necessarly the design effects of a delphinium in a flower bed, try growing them through a mesh of wire. 1" X 1" metal fencing, such as stucco wire, works best. Commercial flower growers use this on many crops that grow tall. Erect the wire 1 foot

The copyright of the article Delphiniums in Perennials is owned by Jojo Sigurgeirson. Permission to republish Delphiniums in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic