Love delphiniums?
Now’s the perfect time to plant them!
These stunning flowers can brighten any garden. Ready to learn how to sow them?
Keep reading for all the tips and tricks!
Pick the Perfect Spot
Delphiniums love sunlight! Make sure you find a place in your garden that gets at least six hours of sun every day.
They do well in cool climates, so early morning sun and some shade in the afternoon could be perfect. Just make sure it’s a well-draining soil spot, or else their roots can get too wet and rot.
Prep the Soil
Your delphiniums will thank you if you put in some effort here. Mix in some compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
These flowers prefer a slightly alkaline soil, so you might need to add a bit of lime if your soil is too acidic. Give it a good till to ensure everything is mixed well and ready for planting.
Start with Quality Seeds
Not all seeds are created equal! Get your delphinium seeds from a reliable source to make sure they’ll germinate well.
Some folks suggest soaking the seeds in water overnight to jumpstart the process. Either way, keep them cool before planting because they do best when they think winter is over.
Planting Time
Time to get those seeds in the ground! Plant them about a quarter-inch deep and cover lightly with soil.
Space the seeds about 18 inches apart to give them room to grow. Water gently to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Patience is key here—germination can take a couple of weeks.
Water and Feed
Delphiniums are thirsty plants, especially in the early stages. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
Once the plants are established, you can water them deeply once or twice a week. Fertilize them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks to give them a little extra boost.
Support Their Growth
These beauties can grow tall—like, really tall. Think about installing some stakes or a trellis when they’re about a foot high to help them stay upright.
Strong winds can easily knock them over, so give them some support early on. Trust me, your future tall, sturdy delphiniums will appreciate it.
Fight Off Pests
Aphids and slugs love delphiniums as much as you do. Keep an eye out for these tiny invaders.
Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or use neem oil as a non-toxic repellent. Handpick slugs at night, or set up beer traps to catch them (and maybe drink one too while you’re at it).
Enjoy the Bloom
Finally, sit back and enjoy the show! Delphiniums bloom in early summer, and their tall, colorful spikes will be the envy of your neighborhood.
Don’t forget to deadhead the flowers once they fade—this encourages new blooms and keeps your plants looking fresh. Snap some pictures and relish in your gardening success!