Guide to Growing Delphiniums
Planting Aspects
- Plant in full sun - the location needs to get a minimum of 6 hours of bright sun light.
- Shelter - plant in a location that has some protectection from strong winds
- Plant transplants in early spring and late fall
- Give each plant plenty of room to grow - each plant will need about 3 - 4 square feet of
garden space
- Keep newly planted delphiniums consistently moist - do not allow to wilt
Soil
- Rich, fertile soil is a must - delphiniums are very heavy feeders (use compost and
manure routinely)
- pH should be in the neutral range - 6.0 - 7.0
- If your soil is acidic add add lime and wood ash
- Soil must be well drained - delphiniums will not tolerate wet feet - NOTE - a well
drained soil is not a dry soil - by well drained we mean one that is able to stay moist
with out becoming soggy.
- Roots dislike very warm soil temperatures - keep the soil cool with a 4" layer of
organic mulch
Watering
- Water routinely during active growth periods
- Always water deeply - we suggest drip irrigation tubes or soaker hoses instead of
hose end sprinklers.
- If possible use rain water that you have collected, municipal water often has so many
chemicals in it that it disrupts the beneficial micro-organisms living in the soil and can
alter the soils pH levels
Maintenance
- Staking is essential - delphiniums will not stand up to strong winds or heavy rains
- Cut each flower spike down to about 5 inches above the ground after flowers have faded,
reduce the amount of watering until you see new growth then gradually increase watering
and feeding for a second round of flowering.
- Cut down all plants in late autumn and cover with a fresh layer of compost or mulch.
Feeding
- Delphiniums are very heavy feeders - most of us are not blessed with the fertile,
nutrient rich soils these plants require. Feeding should begin as soon as plants emerge in
spring by applying a generous top dressing of composted manure and bone meal.
- Continue feeding every 2 - 3 weeks with liquid fish emulsion applied as a soil drench
- After the first round of flowering and you have cut back the plants apply a fresh layer
of compost and bone meal
Diseases
- Powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem - spray with sulfur every two weeks especially
during hot humid weather
Pests
- Slugs and Snails are really the only pest problems - control with traps is suggested.
We have also had good results with placing a 6 - 8 inch ring of saw dust around the
plants base. The dust sticks to their slimy bodies so they avoid it. --> saw dust only
works when replaced often.
Return to Gorge Top Gardens
Delphinium Home Page
|
All orders ship for a
flat rate of $10.75
Shop for Delphiniums
|
