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Want stunning delphiniums in your garden?
It’s easier than you think!
Check out these 8 simple tactics to help your delphiniums grow strong and beautiful.
Ready to boost those blooms?
Let’s get started!
Choose the Right Location
Picking the right spot for your delphiniums is crucial. They love sunlight, so find a place that gets plenty of it.
However, they don’t like being too hot, so a spot that gets some afternoon shade can be perfect. Also, ensure the soil drains well – soggy roots are a no-go for these beauties.
Prepare the Soil
Delphiniums aren’t too picky, but they do appreciate good soil. Enrich your garden bed with compost or well-rotted manure.
This not only adds nutrients but also improves the soil texture. It’s a win-win for your delphiniums and other plants you have around.
Start from Seeds or Seedlings
You can grow delphiniums from seeds or seedlings. Seeds are a bit more work but rewarding.
Start them indoors about 8-10 weeks before the last frost. If you’re not into waiting, grab some seedlings from your local nursery.
Plant them once the danger of frost has passed.
Water Them Right
Delphiniums like their soil to be moist, but not waterlogged. Think of it like Goldilocks and the three bears: not too dry, not too wet, but just right.
Water them deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather. And always water at the base to avoid dampening the leaves, which can lead to mildew.
Feed Them Regularly
These plants are kind of like teenagers – they need lots of food to grow big and strong. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when planting, and then feed them with a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
This will keep them blooming and happy.
Stake Them Properly
Delphiniums can get pretty tall and leggy, so they often need some support. Stakes and garden ties can help keep your plants upright.
Place stakes early in the season to avoid damaging the roots later. Tie the stems loosely so they have room to grow but won’t topple over.
Prune for More Blooms
Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, encourages your delphiniums to produce more flowers. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut off the dead flowers just above a healthy leaf.
This little bit of maintenance can result in a second bloom later in the season!
Winter Care
When winter comes, your delphiniums will need a bit of TLC. Cut back the stems to ground level after the first frost.
Mulch around the base of the plants to protect them from the cold. Come spring, new shoots will emerge, ready to dazzle you once again.