Growing Delphiniums
Planting Delphiniums
We advise that you don’t let your young delphinium plants flower in their first year. Remove any flowers so that they put all their energy into growing.
When planting in your garden remember that Delphiniums prefer a free draining soil (especially in winter) and a sunny position. Give your delphiniums a feed of general purpose fertilizer when planting and a couple of times during the growing season (early spring and during the summer).
Delphiniums MUST BE staked to prevent from splitting at the base. Failure to stake may result in your plants demise!
In late autumn/early winter cut your delphiniums down just above ground level and cover with a generous handful of sharp sand or horticultural grit to protect the crown over the winter months. This also helps to keep slugs at bay as they don’t like crawling over the sand/grit. Remember, protect from slugs (even in the winter) and especially when the delphiniums start shooting; usually as early as February.
When your mature delphinium plants have finished flowering, cut them back about two inches from the ground. By doing this you may get a smaller second flowering (this depends on variety and weather conditions).
Growing Delphiniums from seed
We sell open pollinated seed from our elatum delphiniums at shows we attend.
We recommend that the packet of seed is placed in an airtight container in the fridge and they are sown February – April.
Fill a pot with seed sowing compost and sprinkle the seed over the top, covering with a fine top layer of compost. Using a sprayer/mister moisten the compost, then cover with newspaper.
Place your pot on a windowsill (not in direct sunlight) or an unheated greenhouse. Spray to moisten as and when required.
Once the seeds germinate remove the newspaper and continue to spray (as required).
When the seedlings have their second set of leaves they can be pricked out into small individual pots. Grow on outside in a sheltered spot. Once root has filled the pot plant out into a sunny position with a well drained soil.
