When to sow delphinium.

Delphinium is a representative of the Buttercup, a plant, the variety of which reaches 350 names. The main place of growth is the territory of the northern hemisphere and all zones where a temperate climate prevails. Most of the plants are multiflora, beautifully blooming in the highlands. A smaller part of the varieties are annual or biennial species. California and western China boast the cultivation of the Delphinium species in their territories.

Features Plants Delphinium.

This most beautiful plant can delight with flowering twice a season, only in this case it is necessary to remove in time those shoots that have already faded. The first period of flowering is the beginning of summer, again Delphinium blooms in September. The attractiveness of the flower lies in the originality of its forms and the magnificent saturation of the inflorescences. You can observe many shades of blue, less often there is a culture with ebb: sapphire, cobalt, glowing blue, violet, ultramarine. Inflorescences of white, pastel, pink shades look no less delightful. Delphinium is magnificent in any shape and color variety and delights the views of many beauty connoisseurs.

How to choose the right seeds for planting.

To store seeds at home, select an airtight container, be sure to keep the container in the refrigerator. If you follow the storage conditions, then the seeds are able not to lose their ability for excellent germination, within 10 years. If the quality of the seed is of poor quality, then the possibility of reproduction is reduced to zero. The fact remains that when purchasing seed from a manufacturer unknown to you, a problem arises: it seems that he did everything right, he followed all the planting conditions, but there is no result. The plant simply did not germinate or froze at a certain stage of development. The answer is one-seed material was stored in unacceptable conditions.

Keeping the seeds at home using simple paper packaging can also run into trouble for the next season, most of the similarity of the seeds will simply be lost.

An equally important parameter for choosing the necessary material for planting is the definition with the Delphinium variety. The variety in varieties and species is simply a large amount, but experienced growers prefer hybrid varieties. Such plants are more efficient when planting, they have a special adaptability to each climatic zone. The form of such flowers is simply impressive, pleases admiring glances with their variety of color palette, they differ sharply from their modest, ordinary relatives. All varieties bred by a selection method, by experts from all over the world, belong to groups, which, in turn, have differences in a wide palette of color shades. All artificially bred species of Delphinium are divided into groups according to the growth activity and the formation of inflorescences. Hybrids can also be one year old and many years old.
Hybrids of Pacific origin are considered one of the favorite subspecies of connoisseurs.Strong enough growth force, in height they can reach 180 cm, inflorescences are slightly branched, flowers are beautiful, large in size. These varieties are capable of excellent seed propagation. There is a slight deviation - plants grown from the seeds of the predecessor flower may grow slightly modified, a slight difference from the original source:
-Astolat-has excellent pink inflorescences;
-Black Knight-rewarded with flowers of a violet shade, slightly darkish;
-King Arthur, inflorescences are light with a purple tint;
-Snow White Galahad, in this case, the name of the flower itself speaks of the splendor of the color of flowers;
-Summer sky-has a mixture of blue and white tint colors;
-Ariel, light blue;
—Giant New Zealand- shoots that are incredibly strong in development, the height reaches 1.6 meters, the flowers are unusually large;
-Little Red Riding Hood-the name says it all, beautiful, reddish ebb flowers;
-Butterfly mix-the plant of this hybrid gathered a variety of color palette: pronounced blueness, bright blue, white, pinkish tones of flowers;
-Belladonna-flowers blue or bluish tide, according to the external sign, this variety is similar to plants growing in the wild, in height does not exceed 1.3 meters, the time of flowering falls on the end of May or the last days of June.

Prepare seed for planting.

Sowing seeds for seedlings is a very important point, this must be done at a certain moment, so that the development of the plant and full flowering take place in a timely manner, without delays and rapid development before the onset of a warm time. For good results, be sure to follow all deadlines. In the last days of February, start sowing. If the seed is fresh, there is no need for additional preparation and can be sown immediately. The only thing is to disinfect the seeds with a solution of potassium permanganate. Soak for no more than 20 minutes, it is possible to apply store-bought fungicides. Then soak for a day in Epin's solution, then dry and the seeds are ready for planting.

For best results, keep soil composition in mind. This adult plant is quite unpretentious about the growing environment, and young shoots even really need proper nutrition and care. Therefore, we will prepare the soil for planting. The first preparation is carried out in the autumn, dig up the soil to a depth of 30 centimeters, while it is desirable to get rid of the layer of rotted manure and a large amount of sand, if any. Also, when digging, all root residues (from previous plants), any weed and insect larvae found in the process are destroyed. At the beginning of the spring season, we begin the second stage of soil preparation, re-digging, be sure to level the entire area where you plan to plant the delphinium, we do not leave a single large lump of earth.

How to properly prepare the necessary substrate for sowing seedlings?

In the first option, we just go to a specialized store and buy finished products. In the second option, we cook on our own, at home. Experienced gardeners and experts recommend mixing all the necessary components in equal parts. What ingredients are needed? Let's list below:
-mass of peat;
- garden, special composition, soil;
-must be humus.

How to choose the right container for seedlings.

The containers are purchased at the store, you can use ordinary pots and wooden boxes. The only important point when choosing a container is that there should be holes to get rid of excess moisture and full air circulation.
In fact, it only seems that the process of planting the Delphinium is quite long and painstaking.Despite the capriciousness of the plant, at a young age, it is very simple to create comfortable conditions for the good development of the plant. You just need to listen to the advice of more experienced gardeners. This is especially true for newcomers in this case.

Below we list a number of especially necessary recommendations for the propagation of Delphinium in your garden plots:
-first of all, we select the right place for the landing of the Delphinium. The flower prefers sunny space, but has a very negative attitude towards strong drafts, sharp gusts of wind. When selecting a site, it is necessary to take into account all the needs of the plant. As mentioned above, the soil must also meet all the requirements. A plus to a good composition is the absence of stagnant water, high humidity, these problems negatively affect the development of the Delphinium, cause great harm to growth activity, and you can simply not wait for flowering, even if the plant does not die, the desired result will not work;
-on the capriciousness of seeds, we also mentioned above in your article. If stored improperly, they lose all their ability to reproduce. Let's clarify a little, for the best storage, preservation of all productive abilities, the seed material is placed in bags containing moistened napkins, the seeds are stratified (the seeds are kept for a long time at certain temperatures, to obtain the best similarity), it must be stored frozen, avoiding the slightest defrosting. According to the recommendations of experienced gardeners, seeds sown in the fall and subject to natural stratification are the best option;
-February is the month for planting the plant, we sow the seeds into the prepared soil, another layer of earth is applied on top, not exceeding 25-30 mm in thickness. Be sure to water, in a shower, use a puller;
-after the container with crops is covered with a glass shelter, on top of it is obligatory fabric insulation of a dark color. Transfer all containers with landings to a room with a fairly cool temperature, not higher than 15 degrees;
- of course, the seeds are capable of sprouting even at low temperatures, but the room must be dark. If you want to achieve germination quickly, after 3-5 days after sowing, reduce the indoor temperature to -5 degrees. The resulting temperature should be kept for at least 14 days. In the future, we increase the temperature again, we keep planting until shoots. You can put the containers on the windowsill and store there, but do not remove the glass cover;
- Throughout the period prior to seed germination, you must take special care of the seedlings. Observe the regime of sufficient soil moisture, use only a special device for irrigation, the formation of condensation on the glass lid must be removed in a timely manner;
-if you do everything right, the first shoots may appear in 14 days. The dark cover can be removed, do not allow the resulting cuttings to dry completely, spray constantly, after the appearance of two real, formed leaves, you can start picking into separate containers, for the development of the plant by independent forces;
-after the air warms up outside, usually at the beginning of May, you begin to take the plant out into the street, for a short period of time, for the adaptation process. You can simply open all the window sashes where your seedlings are located, no more than twice a day. In the event that you take a plant out into the street, do it for half an hour;
- at the moment when the roots are completely intertwined in the soil in the container, the culture can already be assigned to a site for permanent cultivation. The interlacing of the roots makes it easier to remove them from the pot along with a lump of soil, planting will be much easier and simply more convenient and safer for the plant, the minimum chance of damaging the root system of a rather capricious Delphinium seedling;
- fertilize young seedlings with fertilizer and humus;
-the planting process itself is carried out.

Plant care during the season.

As with any culture in the garden, the Delphinium must be protected and even minimal care must be of high quality. We list the main points of generally accepted actions to create comfortable conditions for a plant:
-be sure to use a layer of mulch, after planting in a permanent place, moisture should always be preserved, because the plant does not tolerate drying out of the soil very badly. In the fight against annoying weeds, mulching will even be a very good helper, the site remains clean, no time is required for weeding. It is not at all necessary to buy any special means for mulching, you yourself will do a great job with improvised means, for example, dry foliage or small branches of trees from your own site;
- even under a layer of mulch, it still remains necessary to check the moisture content of the soil, do this at least after two days. There are no established norms for the amount of water required for the excellent cultivation of the Delphinium, everything is done by visual inspection, just do not overmoisten, do not allow the formation of standing water. Sometimes, during rains, the soil seems to be very moist, it all depends on the composition of the soil. If it is more free-flowing, it may seem dry, so a decision is made to water the flowers;
-When watering, try not to water the leaf cover and especially flowers. Watering is necessary in slow motion, we avoid the appearance of grooves, and the water should gradually be absorbed into the soil, and not flow down to the sides;
-Delphinium-plant, in most cases, quite tall. Therefore, after reaching a height of 30 centimeters, be sure to tie it to stakes adapted around the trunk. In this way, you help the plant to support its weight and not break at the same time. It is, of course, possible to use more durable supports, so to speak, more durable, for example, metal, bamboo canes. It is not even necessary to tie it, you can simply install it next to it, so that the plant rests comfortably on the supports;
- in any garden, even the most well-groomed, sometimes there is a problem with the appearance of pests and diseases. Slugs and snails are considered a special lover of the Delphinium; this is, one might say, their favorite delicacy. Try to carry out prophylaxis, especially at the first detected individuals, use the necessary means;
- every 14 days, feed the plants with liquid fertilizer, the Delphinium will develop well and have a healthy appearance. For home growing methods, also use a similar fertilizer;
- to prepare the plant correctly for the winter period is a very important point. But it is not at all necessary to bring the plant into the room, lowering the temperature only hardens the Delphinium, helps to prepare and steadfastly survive all the upcoming cold weather. An important moment for winter preparation! The plant must be shed very well with water, start 2-3 weeks before the onset of frost. Next, place a layer of mulch to form a protective cushion that will help the root system and soil to survive;
-the upper part of the plants is cut to a certain level, leaving about 20 centimeters in height.

Transplant Delphinium correctly.

Delphinium is a perennial plant, and any perennials can be transplanted to a new place at any period of the growing season. The most important point in this is considered to be the correct transplant process, trying to harm the root system to a minimum. The loss of even a pair of important roots is the shortest path to the successful development of the transplanted shoot, excellent adaptation in a new place. Try not to ruin your flower, just don't expose it to air. The presence of thin root hairs leads to their rapid drying, they can die in the shortest possible time, more precisely, a few minutes are enough.

The correct composition of the soil, how to achieve this?

As mentioned in the article above, Delphinium is a plant that prefers soil that is sufficiently saturated with the necessary nutrition. Therefore, be sure to monitor the condition of the soil on your plantings.When transplanting to a new place, the composition of the soil should be approximately the same quality as in the former place of growth of Delphinium. The constancy of the habitat is an important factor for the healthy state of the plant. If in doubt about the quality of the soil composition in the new location, add manure or compost. Even with such the slightest addition, the transplanted plants will grow in a full-fledged way, develop correctly and have excellent external characteristics. The missing nutrient gap is being bridged.
How to decide on a place to transplant a plant and not be mistaken.

Let's go back to the plant's requirements for space and adequate lighting. Sunlight is an important point for the proper development of any plant. The only thing is that someone needs a smaller amount, and some culture does not accept shady areas at all. Outdoor planting areas provide many benefits, but beware of areas where strong winds and constant drafts are possible. This provision can cause significant damage to your flower plantations. If possible, if there are no natural barriers to strong winds in the form of tall fruit crops, build artificial windbreaks. All temporary structures on the site, such as walls or fences, simple partitions, will serve as assistants.

How to replace a site for a plant.

We very carefully dig out the Delphinium bush from the previous place of cultivation. We carefully divide the roots, remove, if possible, all damaged areas of the root system, using special tools. In no case do we tear it off with our hands. We transfer the obtained transplants to a new, prepared site. Having placed in the planting hole, apply a layer of soil, small, 5-8 centimeters on the roots. Slightly compact the earth with your hands to remove excess air filling. Add another part of the soil, forming a hill to the base of the root system, slap it a little, compacting the soil cover. It is necessary to water a little, the plant should strengthen after transplanting to a new place.

What is the main care of the plant after transplanting?

At the onset of the spring season, you should remove all side, less important for plants, shoots. We leave up to three, basic, vital shoots, the strongest, well-developed, capable of resuming the growth and active development of the plant as a whole. In the later stages of Delphinium care, such pruning stimulates the main growth.

If necessary, we add fertilizers that are missing for nutrition. Repeat the feeding process during the summer and autumn growing season. Adequate nutrition gives the plant the strength for good development, flowering in the next season.
How to support the plant, prevent the brittleness of the shoots from their own weight.

At the first stage, when, after pruning, the plant is only gaining strength for active growth, we dig pegs around the bush, very carefully, the roots are too close, try not to damage it. With this action, you increase the stability of the main stems. Above we said that any material is suitable: metal, bamboo or other, increased resistance to decay. When building a support, the plant is less exposed to strong winds or rainstorms, it is very difficult for Delphinium to recover from damage. In the autumn period, we must remove all the support pegs. The signal for the start of preparation for the winter period and the collection of all supports is the massive yellowing of the foliage in the fall.

Pruning. How to properly cut unnecessary shoots without harming the plant?

Plant start prune, if there is an urgent need, during active flowering. We cut off old stems mercilessly to the very base, after the appearance of renewed, young shoots.

Small tricks when growing Delphinium on the site.

Now we will list the most relevant, necessary recommendations for growing Delphinium on your plots, based on the knowledge and experience of professional gardeners:
-Delphinium is a plant that prefers free space, well-lit. When planting seedlings, keep the distance between the bushes, given the majesty of the bush, at least 80-100 centimeters. In another version, oversaturation with flowers on the site will turn out, the development will become minimally comfortable: lack of moisture, lack of food for all bushes and many other disadvantages;
-the presence of small drainage channels will allow excess water not to accumulate around the bush during watering and prolonged rain. Another plus in such grooves is to exclude the appearance of rot of the root system;
-the most important advice-follow all the rules that were mentioned in the article, do everything with care and love for the plants and you will definitely succeed. Plants will grow beautiful, they will delight you with magnificent flowering for more than one season.