A Flower From The Shores Of Polynesia - Delphinium

2023 Author: Ava Durham | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:13

Among the perennial flowers, there is no more magnificent plant than the delphinium. Back in the last century, the British called the delphinium "the king of flowers". His tall candles in the garden involuntarily attract the eye. The variety of forms and varieties of delphinium provides room for imagination, allows you to create unique compositions. For example, a bright blue or pink delphinium will look good with conifers of various shades, and dark purple varieties will emphasize the originality of a golden thuja.

The number of delphinium fans among Russian gardeners is also growing. Previously, only the seeds of ordinary delphiniums could be purchased on sale, from which modest, unremarkable plants grew. A real discovery for delphinium lovers are the "new millennium hybrids" from New Zealand breeder Terry Daudesville. The plants obtained by him have the highest decorative qualities, are winter-hardy and durable. Perfectly adapted to the conditions of the middle lane, powerful, disease-resistant hybrids look great not only in the garden, but also in a bouquet. They belong to the Elatum group of hybrids, 160-250 cm high, with 60-80 cm flower stalks. The flowers are very large, up to 7-9 cm in diameter, of a variety of colors - not only blue, double, with 4-6 rows of petals (Lime, Purple, Night) or super-terry (Azure, White,Ultraviolet). Each flower can have over 20 petals! Pink delphiniums - New Zealand Giant Blush and New Zealand Giant Pink - are the trademark of breeder Terry Daudesville. They are especially popular with flower growers. And the largest, extraordinarily beautiful, super-double, white and green delphinium Green twist is the pride of the collection! It is worth the work to have such luxurious plants on your site!to have such magnificent plants on your site!to have such magnificent plants on your site!

Delphiniums reproduce by seeds, dividing a bush, cuttings. Seed germination lasts for two years. However, when stored in paper bags at room temperature, germination is lost after a year. The seeds should be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 5-6 ° C.

Sowing is carried out in several terms: in late March - early April in a greenhouse, in spring in May in open ground and before winter on frozen soil. Can be sown in crates in winter (January-February) and buried in snow. The seeds will naturally stratify at low temperatures, and in the spring these crops will give amicable shoots. The optimum temperature for the development of seedlings is 15-16 ° C, and at 20 ° C there is an inhibition of delphinium seedlings. For sowing delphiniums, it is advisable to prepare as sterile soil as possible. Sprinkle the seeds lightly with soil. Protect crops from drafts. Watering is moderate so that the surface is slightly damp, since the seedlings rot easily. To prevent this, 10 days after germination, prophylactic watering with Phytosporin or Trichodermin can be carried out. Seedlings appear in about 10 days at a temperature of 18-24 ° C, even in the dark. In the future, it is better to keep the seedlings at a lower temperature and always in the light.

In case of poor seed germination, you can sow the seeds of delphiniums in a small flat plastic container, with 3-4 holes on the bottom, and cover them with a small layer of the mixture. Place a closed container in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 14 days. Then remove the container from the refrigerator, remove the bag and lid, and place the crops in a warm, sunny and very bright place. Water only through the tray, adding a small amount of water every morning. Seedlings will appear very quickly.

Delphinium care consists in regular watering with soil wetting to a depth of 30 cm. To provide delphiniums with lush flowering, mineral fertilizers are applied 3 times per season - in spring, before and after flowering, at the rate of 50-60 g / m² with the addition of trace elements. It is advisable to mulch the soil with organic matter - humus or rotted manure. You can use organic-mineral fertilizer mixtures. It is better to keep the acidity of the soil neutral. Vigorous plants of delphiniums require from 0.5 to 1 m² of area per bush.

Hybrid delphiniums have increased winter hardiness and in the conditions of the Moscow region hibernate with a mulch cover. With early sowing, some of the delphiniums can bloom again in August, but it is better not to allow young bushes to re-form peduncles. It is advisable to leave 3-5 of the strongest shoots on the bush, breaking out the rest. Tall delphiniums require an obligatory garter to the support. Better to fix them with a grid.

Adult plants are often attacked by the delphinium fly, while young plants are often attacked by slugs. To preserve decorativeness, it is necessary to treat pests with Biotlin, Aktara, and protect from slugs with the help of Metaldehyde. In wet and cool weather, a white bloom may appear on the leaves and stems - powdery mildew. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to plant the bushes sparsely, remove excess shoots and be sure to treat the plants with Topaz. The scheme for protecting delphiniums from disease is similar to protecting roses or phlox. All parts of the delphinium are poisonous and require care when working with it.

Following the rules for growing delphiniums, you can get wonderful plants that will captivate you with the grace of lines and a unique color scheme. Bring a piece of ancient Greece to your garden, surprise your friends with new delphiniums!

I. V. Lipilina, agronomist of the "Gavrish" company