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Delphinium Planting and Care Guide
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Quick Facts About Delphinium
Delphiniums may be considered to be somewhat old-fashioned, but there's nothing like their majestic form and color to offer a beautiful display. The flowers are showy while the foliage is lacy and softens the background of the flower bed. They are great for cutting and can last 6 days or more in a vase, and bees and butterflies will enjoy visiting the gorgeous blooms.
Planting Time
Delphinium seeds do best with a cold treatment, so the seeds can be directly sowed outdoors in late winter/early spring when frosts are still expected. Or, after time in the refrigerator, start the seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks prior to the end of frost season.
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Planting Location
Delphiniums do best in cold climates. They like full sun or partial shade and soil that drains well and is kept moist. Nutrient rich soil is very important.
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How to Plant Delphinium
- For indoor sowing, mix the Delphinium seeds in with moistened soil or peat moss and place this in the refrigerator for a week
- After the period of cold, fill trays or peat pots with moistened seed starting soil
- Press the Delphinium seeds into the soil and lightly cover
- Ideal temperature for Delphiniums to germinate is 65 - 75F
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy
- Once there are seedlings, place them under grow lights for the best growing results
- Once outdoors temperatures are warming and no more frosts are expected, harden the Delphiniums off for 7 - 10 days
- If needed, at the time of transplanting, amend the soil with compost to improve the texture of the soil to make it lighter and drain better
- Or, in the early spring, work the soil to a depth of several inches
- Add compost to improve the soil
- Sow the Delphinium seeds on the surface and lightly cover with soil
- Keep the area constantly moist for germination
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Care And Maintenance
- Water well when the Delphinium plants are growing
- Provide stakes or other support if needed
- Mulch around the base of the plant to suppress weed growth and help to retain moisture
- After blooming, cut the spikes down to 4 or 5 inches in height and reduce watering
- Provide pesticide for slugs