The delphinium, which is poisonous to humans, seems to taste particularly good to snails, after all the young shoots in particular are quickly destroyed by the voracious pests in spring - one of the reasons why many gardeners only cultivate delphiniums in containers. But even if you don't have a garden, you can enjoy the magical flower spikes on the balcony or terrace.
How do I plant and care for delphiniums in a pot?
To successfully cultivate delphiniums in pots, you need a large pot made of natural materials, a sunny and wind-protected location, suitable substrate and regular care, including watering, fertilizing and pruning. Dwarf varieties or Belladonna hybrids are ideal for container cultivation.
Planting delphiniums correctly in the pot
So that the delphinium grows strong and he althy in the pot and produces plenty of flowers, it must feel comfortable. In addition to a location that is as sunny and sheltered from the wind as possible, this also includes a large container - the higher the variety you choose, the larger the planter must be - and the right substrate. Choose a pot made of natural materials such as clay, as this allows excess water to evaporate best and keeps the delphinium's roots nice and cool. The perennial does not like “hot feet” and responds to this with poor growth and increased susceptibility to disease.
Suitable delphinium varieties for container cultivation
Basically, all delphiniums are ideal for growing in a container, although the lower-growing varieties are naturally easier to keep - they simply need significantly less space. Therefore, you should prefer the dwarf varieties (“Blue Dwarf”, for example, can also be kept well in balcony boxes) or the Belladonna hybrids.
Take care of potted larkspur carefully
In general, potted plants always need more care than specimens planted in the garden, and delphiniums are no exception. Above all, make sure that the plant does not dry out and that it is fertilized regularly.
- Water the delphinium as soon as the top layer of soil in the pot has dried.
- Wait until excess water has drained and then pour it away.
- Dark spur does not tolerate waterlogging, so you should also ensure drainage in the pot.
- A layer of pottery shards at the bottom of the pot is suitable.
- Fertilize every four weeks with a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants (€16.00 on Amazon).
- Fertilization is generally only carried out in the growing period between March and August.
- Cut the delphinium down to approx. 20 centimeters after the first flowering.
- Strong pruning is also carried out in autumn.
Tips & Tricks
Although delphiniums are absolutely hardy, you should still protect potted specimens in winter. In the pot, the roots freeze more quickly and the plant eventually dies. So protect the pot with a cover made of jute or raffia and the roots with a layer of mulch made of straw, leaves or brushwood.
