The delphinium (Delphinium) is a classic and very popular cottage garden plant that, with its mostly bright blue flower candles, offers an eye-catcher that is visible from afar. The majestic-looking plant is also a dominant presence in perennial beds and is particularly popular with floribunda roses.
How do I plant delphiniums in the garden?
To plant delphiniums successfully in the garden, choose a sunny location and nutrient-rich, loamy-humus soil. The plants can be sown from seeds directly in the bed or grown on the windowsill. Maintain a planting distance of at least one meter.
Which location does delphinium prefer?
Dark spurs love the sun, so the location should be as sunny as possible.
Which substrate does delphinium need?
Normally, a standard garden soil with loamy, humus-rich soil is completely sufficient. However, this should be very nutrient-rich, as delphinium is a heavy feeder. If necessary, you should enrich the substrate accordingly with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) etc.
Is delphinium planted or sown?
Dark spur is usually sown rather than planted. Only specimens grown indoors can be planted outdoors from around mid-May.
Which is better: direct sowing or early sowing?
The seeds of the delphinium are usually sown directly in the garden bed. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also plant the young plants on your windowsill at home.
When should delphinium be planted/sown?
Direct sowing takes place between May and September, depending on the variety of delphinium. Specimens sown in late summer or autumn usually do not bloom until the following year, but overwinter in the garden without any problems. However, this does not apply to all delphinium varieties, as a distinction is made between perennial and one- and two-year-old delphiniums. The one- to two-year-old varieties in particular should therefore be grown on the windowsill from around mid-February to the beginning of March and later planted out as young plants.
What planting distance should be maintained?
Lark spurs can grow up to two meters high and tolerate competition from other perennials poorly. Therefore, they should have as free a stand as possible and be placed at a minimum distance of one meter from the next plant. Young delphiniums are pricked out from a height of around 15 centimeters.
How can I propagate delphiniums?
The propagation of delphiniums depends on the specific variety, but is often done by sowing. Some delphiniums can also be propagated by division or cuttings. As a rule of thumb, perennial varieties are propagated vegetatively and one- to two-year-old varieties are propagated through seeds.
When does delphinium bloom?
Dark spur blooms in June/July and, after vigorous pruning, again in September/October.
Good neighbors / Bad neighbors
Delphiniums look particularly beautiful in combination with roses, lady's mantles, cranesbills, lupins and other perennials with similar soil and care requirements.
Tips & Tricks
Dark spur must never be crowded by neighboring perennials, but should stand as freely as possible. Otherwise it can happen that the stressed plant simply stops flowering.