did you know?

The English and French began experimenting with delphinium hybrids as early as 1850, working to develop plants that would be well suited to Western Europe's climates. In the United States, similar work began after World War I and has resulted in well-performing hybrids that are popular among growers on both sides of the Atlantic.

general maintenance:

Carefully stake each flower spike as it develops; the flower stalks are very brittle. After flowers are spent, cut stalks back to just above the first leaves for continued flower production. Remove old growth in fall after frost or before new growth begins in spring.

pests/diseases:

Slugs, snails, cyclamen mites, powdery mildew, leaf spot, and crown rot may occur.

controls:

Handpick slugs and snails. Spray horticultural oil for cyclamen mites. Increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and spray horticultural oil for powdery mildew. Remove diseased leaves or severely diseased plants for leaf spot and crown rot; reduce soil moisture for crown rot.

how to sow/plant:

Start with new plants or from seed sown at 55°F in early spring; transplant after danger of frost has passed. Choose a sunny site with moist, well-drained soil, and amend with well-rotted manure or compost. Set plants at the same depth they were in their pots, spacing them 30 inches apart. Water upon planting, and mulch to conserve moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season. In the spring and again after the first flowering, feed with a balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

Delphiniums suffer most in the heat and humidity of summer and should therefore be grown as annuals or biennials in warm, humid climates.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

• Cut Flower

combine with:

poppies foxgloves burnet and mullein