Excellent for border plantings, as well as cut flowers, it's no wonder that Delphinium is a cottage garden staple!
Although, if you are more of a wildflower gardener, you might know this beauty as Larkspur. Whatever you call it, Larkspur Blue Bell is one gorgeous flower!
Plant Type: Perennial Flower
Scent: Sweet
Fill Weight (grams): 0.25
Days To Bloom: 100-120 Days
When to Plant Delphinium Seeds
Plant your Delphinium seeds in the fall or spring, early in the season.
Where to Plant Delphinium Seeds
Delphinium plants like full sun to partial shade, and they will grow very quickly. They thrive in average soil and cool weather.
How to Plant Delphinium Seeds
While not required, Delphinium seeds can benefit from a special 1 to 2 week treatment called cold moist stratification prior to planting them. Learn more about the importance and process of cold moist stratification here
Delphinium is notoriously difficult to transplant, so it is best to sow seeds directly into your flower garden after all danger of frost. Cover Delphinium seeds lightly with 1/8th inch of soil. Space your seeds 4 inches apart, and after germination, thin seedlings to 10-12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist to feed your Delphinium fast growth.
How to Care for Delphinium
During dry periods, water them once or twice a week. Provide a general purpose fertilizer once a month until after they have bloomed. Staking may be necessary to keep them from bending under the weight of the blooms. Delphinium are highly susceptible to frost, fungal disease (especially Sclerotium), and mildew. Insects should not be a problem, but if they are, use a general purpose insect repellent. Delphinium can be poisonous to some animals—most notably cattle!
Do delphiniums multiply?
Delphiniums multiply quickly. Next year the plant will be at least double in size. If too large, the plant will have to be divided again the following year.
How do you keep delphiniums blooming all summer?
To keep your delphiniums blooming, you'll need to cut the main stalk once the flower petals start to fall off. Then, fertilize the soil and water the remaining side shoots. Pruning your delphiniums can help them bloom all summer long, and it'll also give you some lovely cut flowers for your home.
When planting tall and linear plants, you may encounter the issue of them toppling over.
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Use supports: Stick some sturdy poles, wooden stakes, or metal frames around the plants. Insert them into the soil and secure them to the main stems or significant branches for extra support.
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Embrace plant grids: Set up or install plant grids around your plants and let the stems intertwine with the grid, adding stability and preventing them from flopping over.
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Trim and prune: Keep up with regular pruning to encourage branching and side shoots, enhancing overall structure and stability.
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Improve the soil: Ensure your soil is enriched with organic matter, maintaining proper moisture levels and good drainage, which promotes healthy growth and robust root development.
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Wind protection: In windy areas, consider using windbreak netting or fences to reduce the impact of strong winds on your plants and shield them.