Live lace in a flower bed, how to grow a delphinium in your area. Planting a delphinium for seedlings: when and how to sow, further care and cultivation in the open field

Seeing a flower called delphinium, you can immediately fall in love with it. It is difficult to resist and not dare to start such a plant. But not many people know that this is a very capricious plant; growing a perennial delphinium from seeds is not an easy task. If you try, the flower will be strong, healthy and decorate your site with beautiful and unusual colored candles.

Features and types of flower

Delphinium is herbaceous plant and belongs to the buttercup family. Otherwise, the flower is called a spur or larkspur. Most types of perennial plants live no more than 5-6 years. Growing a delphinium itself is not an easy task. A gardener must have the knowledge and diligence to grow a delphinium flower from seed. There are some features of growing a flower:

The landing site should be sunny in the morning, as well as sheltered from strong winds;
On the site, the water in the soil should not stagnate, otherwise the plant may die;
Mulching after planting is carried out with peat or humus. And this procedure is mandatory;
Delphinium requires a constant garter so that the stems do not break from the wind;
Very often exposed powdery mildew and some pests.

These are the main vagaries of the delphinium, if you cope with them, you can get a flower with lush bloom in June, and also with a short one in August or September.

A low-growing perennial delphinium grows up to 30 centimeters. The flower itself has a rich flower palette. Can be found perennial red, blue, pink, blue.

Perennials are hybrids and are divided into groups according to their place of origin. Consider the most popular:

Scottish

The breeder of this species is Tony Cockley. It differs from other species in dense inflorescences. Plant height is 1.1-1.5 meters. It has a diverse palette of colors and retains all its varietal qualities even when propagated by seeds. Known varieties: Morning Sunrise, Moon Light, Sweet Sensation, Crystal Delight and Deepest Pink.

New Zealand

Plant height up to 2.2 meters, has large double flowers, the diameter of each is from 7 to 9 centimeters. This species is frost-resistant, resistant to many diseases. After cutting, they stand in a vase for a very long time, so this group is the most popular at the moment. Popular varieties of perennial delphinium: Sunny Skyes, Green Twist, Pagan Pepls, Blue Lace, Sweethats.

Marfinskie

They got their name in honor of the state farm Marfino. They have frost resistance, high decorative effect. The plant has large semi-double flowers with bright eyes. Grow this kind perennial flower quite difficult from seed, as it does not retain varietal characteristics. Popular varieties: Pink Sunset, Spring Snow, Morpheus, Blue Lace.

Preparing seeds for sowing

Delphinium is a very capricious plant; before sowing, its seeds should be prepared. One popular method is stratification. This procedure is suitable for flowers that will grow in temperate climate. Stratification is carried out in stages:

First you need to prepare a cotton clean cloth. It is desirable that it be light. Cut out a small piece rectangular shape and pour seeds evenly on it in one line;
Then you need to carefully fold the edges of the fabric and roll them into a roll so that the seeds remain inside and everything is also distributed;
Take a small amount of water into the container and moisten the cloth with the seeds. The roll must never be completely immersed in water. It must be slightly moistened, otherwise the liquid will displace all the oxygen, which will lead to the death of the seeds;
The container should be stored in a cool place at a temperature of 5-6 degrees. A refrigerator or a veranda is perfect for this;
After some time (3-4 days), the bundle can be unfolded and see if the seeds are swollen. In this case, roots should not appear. If white spots appear on the planting material, it should be placed in the ground or in the refrigerator to stop the germination process;

Seeding technique

Before sowing delphinium seeds, you need to take a container and fill it with nutrient soil. Then it should be leveled and watered well. Since the seeds of the flower are black or dark brown, it will be very difficult to notice them against the background of the ground. Therefore, in order to spread the seeds evenly, it is necessary to scatter over the entire surface of the soil river sand from a sieve. Spread the seeds evenly throughout the soil or plant in rows.

It is very important that the seeds are tightly sown to each other. The ideal sowing is two seeds per 1 square centimeter.

Many beginners believe that the more room for germination, the better. But in the case of the delphinium, everything happens the other way around. With sparse sowing, seed germination will be low.

Through fine sieve it is necessary to pour the substrate on top of the seeds with a layer of 2-3 millimeters. After that, it is worth gently moistening the soil. This can be done using a small watering can with a sieve. From above it is worth covering the sowing with a newspaper or burlap, and then with non-woven material. The box with sowing should be placed in a cool place with a temperature of +12 to +15 degrees. After a few days, it is worth checking the seeds. If the soil is dry, it can be moistened directly through the burlap.

Seedling care

Each plant should be properly looked after, the delphinium is no exception. As soon as the first sprouts appear, the cover must be removed from the container. Seedlings need to be watered from below, from the pallet. Never water seedlings with a regular stream of water. Young sprouts will fall. Also, seedlings are afraid of waterlogging. Since even a small excess of moisture can lead to such a delphinium disease as a black leg.

As soon as you notice 1-2 true leaves, this will signal to you that it is time to dive the plant, that is, plant it in different pots. Peat pots are usually used, but ordinary plastic pots with a good drainage hole can also be used.

Landing in open ground

Delphinium planting in open ground occurs after the frost has passed and the threat of frost has passed. Seedlings should be planted at a distance of 60-70 centimeters from each other. The hole should be 40 centimeters in diameter and 50 deep. Pour half a bucket of humus, 2 tablespoons into each complex fertilizer and 1 glass of ash. Mix all this with the ground so that the fertilizer does not get on the roots of the plants.

After that, make indentations and place the seedlings in the ground. Tamp the soil around the plant and water. For the first time, it is necessary to cover each seedling plastic bottle or a glass jar until the plants are well rooted. As soon as the delphinium flower begins to grow gradually, this shelter should be removed.

Delphinium after flowering

After the flowering of the delphinium, the castings will dry out, and the stems will need to be cut at a height of 30-40 centimeters from the ground. For reliability, be sure to cover the tubes with clay. This is done so that rain or melt water does not get into these tubes, which can contribute to the death of the flower. Since the plants are hardy, they will withstand the cold. Preparing a perennial delphinium for winter will not be too difficult. In winter, it is worth covering the flowers with straw.

Only frequent and sudden changes in temperature can destroy the delphinium, which will cause an excess of moisture, from which the rhizomes will rot. In order to avoid this, when landing, it is worth filling the hole with half a bucket of sand. This is done so that excess moisture cannot go deep.

Tell me how to grow a delphinium from seeds? I have been quietly envying my neighbor for a long time, who has a whole multi-colored flower bed of these wonderful flowers. And this year I plucked up the courage and asked for seeds. Now I am the owner of several varieties, it remains only to plant them. How to do it right?

High rocking chairs, densely strewn with numerous large flowers of a wide variety of shades, are the pride of flower growers who grow delphinium. Its flowering is a mesmerizing sight. It is difficult not to notice it among other plants. And if you consider that the delphinium tolerates our winters well, then it is quite clear why it has gained such popularity. It is not always possible to get a delenka or seedlings. But you can always get this flower by purchasing seeds in the store. Although seed propagation is somewhat troublesome and not suitable for all types of crops, it is one of the economical methods. From one bag you can breed a whole flower bed if you know how to grow a delphinium from seeds. In order for the result to meet expectations, some subtleties of seed cultivation should be taken into account. We will talk about them today.

It is better to plant seeds annual varieties, as well as New Zealand and Scottish delphiniums - they retain all varietal characteristics. But for Marfin hybrids, this method is not suitable, they are propagated vegetatively.

Features of seed cultivation of delphiniums

Quite often, flower growers, when planting a delphinium with seeds, face such a problem that they do not sprout. And the problem here is not low germination, but freshness. planting material and conditions of its storage. Maximum germination - for seeds collected in the current season. However, if they were kept room temperature, the germination rate drops significantly.

In order for all crops to sprout, the seeds must be kept cool, preferably in the refrigerator.

Love for coolness is characteristic not only for seeds, but also for delphinium seedlings. Maximum allowable temperature cultivation in the initial stages should not exceed 20°C heat. In addition, seeds should germinate in the dark, regardless of the method of sowing.

How to grow a delphinium from seeds: sowing methods

Due to the properties of seeds to sprout with a deficit of heat and light, delphinium can be sown in two ways:

immediately into open ground;
for seedlings.

There is no particular difference between such plants. And the bushes in the flower bed, and the delphiniums obtained by seedlings, develop at an equally good pace. The only thing is that the first will bloom only in the second year. And delphiniums from seedlings can give a weak, “trial”, flowering at the end of the current season.

When to sow delphinium in open ground?

Perennial delphiniums are best sown in the spring. Depending on the region, this may be the second half of March or the beginning of April. It is advisable to pre-dig the bed with the introduction of a mineral complex. It is necessary to sow seeds in shallow grooves and do not bury much - just sprinkle with a thin layer of earth.

Crops should be covered with a black film. It will need to be periodically raised for ventilation. Three weeks later, when sprouts appear, the shelter is removed.

The first year delphiniums spend on a common garden bed, where they are regularly watered and fed. For the winter, it is desirable to provide shelter so that young plants do not freeze. In the spring, if necessary, they are seated.

Annual delphinium species can be sown before winter.

How to grow delphinium seedlings?

Sowing seeds for seedlings begins at the end of March. You should not do this before, because delphiniums prefer not artificial, but sunlight. The process itself is as follows:

prepare a common container, and even better - individual cups, since delphiniums do not tolerate transplantation well:
buy or mix a light substrate (a mixture of sand, leafy soil, peat and humus is suitable);
lay drainage in containers and cover with moistened soil;
spread the seeds, keeping a distance of at least 2 cm when sowing in a common container;
lightly sprinkle with soil;
cover with foil and something dark.

The first 1.5-2 weeks, the container with crops should be covered in a cool room (from 15 to 18 ° C heat). When sprouts appear, the shelter is removed. Seedlings are transferred to a bright window sill, but also observing a cool regime. At the end of May - at the beginning of June, the delphinium can be landed on permanent place in the garden.

The plant prefers sunlit areas, but shading from the midday sun is desirable to maintain a bright color. Most varieties are tall, with fragile stems, so they choose places protected from the wind.

Flowers are suitable for sandy or loamy soil, rich in humus, with moderate moisture. With high acidity, it must be limed.

Proper cultivation of delphiniums

Planting delphiniums and caring for them have a number of features. Plants are planted in late August - early September, so that they take root before the onset of frost. The distance between individual specimens depends on the species and variety, for tall hybrids it is 50-60 cm. When planting, the root collar and renewal buds are left at ground level, the seedlings are watered, and in dry weather, watering continues for several days. Before the onset of cold weather, the soil is kept loose and free from weeds.

Watering should be rare, but plentiful, followed by loosening the soil; in dry months, one bush needs 20-30 liters of water per week. Moisture is especially needed during the formation of inflorescences.

During the season, plants build up a powerful vegetative mass and bloom profusely, they are not enough nutrients introduced into the wells during planting, and are needed regular feeding. The first is carried out in the spring, when shoots grow to a height of 10-15 cm, using mineral fertilizers or organic in liquid form. In the second top dressing, during budding, increase the dose of potassium and phosphorus. For the third, carried out after flowering at the time of laying the buds of renewal, only phosphorus and potassium are used. Mulching with a layer of peat or rotted compost 2-3 cm thick has a beneficial effect on the condition of the bushes.

An important technique is thinning, which allows you to get larger and denser inflorescences. When the height of the stems reaches 20-30 cm, weak shoots are broken out at the root collar, leaving no more than 3-5. To improve the ventilation of the bush, the stems are removed from its central part. Thinning can be carried out in the fall, breaking out the extra renewal buds, this will accelerate the development of shoots in the spring.

Growing delphiniums in the photo

For successful cultivation delphiniums need a garter that prevents both breakage of fragile stems at the root collar and damage to heavy dense inflorescences. The first garter is carried out at a height of 40-50 cm, the second - 100-120 cm, in varieties with massive inflorescences they are additionally tied in the lower and middle parts. At least 3 supports up to 180 cm high are used per bush.

In autumn, after the ground part dries up, the stems are cut off, leaving a stump of 20-30 cm, which allows protecting the rhizomes during the dormant period from moisture and decay. Sometimes the hemp section is closed, covering it with clay.

Delphiniums are frost-resistant, under a layer of snow they can withstand up to -50 ° C, only in snowless winters they need shelter. In one place grow up to 5-8 years.

Reproduction of delphiniums by seeds: from planting to collecting seeds

Annual species are propagated by seeds, perennial species - by seeds, cuttings and dividing the bush. AT middle lane for all delphiniums, seeds are planted in March. Use seedling boxes and soil from humus, soddy soil and peat. The seeds are laid out on the surface, lightly pressed, watered and covered with a layer of earth of 2-3 mm. The boxes are covered with paper or other dense material, since germination slows down in the light. At a temperature of 12-15 ° C, sprouts appear after 8-10 days, after 30 days they dive to a distance of 3-4 cm. They are planted in open ground in April-May, young plants are not afraid of frost. Delphiniums from seeds of spring sowing bloom in August. Sowing directly into the ground in autumn or before winter is possible. In this case, in October-November, the seeds are laid out in grooves, sprinkled and covered with spruce branches. To plant delphiniums before winter, when persistent frosts set in, the seeds are sown in pre-prepared grooves, covered with dry earth and also covered. In the spring, after the emergence of seedlings, the shelter is removed. Planting delphiniums in autumn and winter is not practiced for varietal plants.

Delphinium in the photo

So how to grow delphiniums hybrid varieties from own seeds rarely succeeds, since their parental characteristics are usually not inherited, these flowers are propagated by dividing bushes or cuttings. For cuttings in May or August, young shoots growing from the root collar are cut off and rooted in the usual way. Bushes are divided in spring, 3-4 year old rhizomes are cut along the growth of old shoots into 4-10 parts so that each has at least one shoot or renewal bud and a sufficient number of adventitious roots.

Delphinium is a representative of the Buttercup family. poisonous flower It happens one-, two- and perennial. well tolerated low temperatures and grows up to 2 m in height. Blue, pink and pale white delphiniums adorn gardens and use them to decorate walls and fences vertically. Ready-made seedlings of exotic flowers will cost a decent amount. It is more profitable to purchase seeds and grow a delphinium with your own hands.

Where to buy seed

Only employees of reputable nurseries and breeders know how to properly store seed. Exotic flower seeds lose viability at room temperature. The workpiece is kept in a refrigerator or special chambers, where it is always dry, and the thermometer does not show more than zero.

Delphinium, sold in the markets or in supermarkets, does not germinate in 60-80%. It's not the gardener who used the wrong substrate or fertilizer, but the seed. Market traders can't create right conditions for exotic flowers. The seeds are packaged in paper bags and kept warm along with the rest of the plants. The result is no seedlings and wasted money.

You can ask for delphinium seeds from neighbors who grow bright bushes. Several brown boxes are cut from healthy and well-developed plants. Saturated color indicates that the flowers are ripe. Some pluck specimens that only get covered brown spots, and stored in a cool room until the blanks change color.

Seeds are carefully sprinkled on Blank sheet, dried and placed in glass jars. The containers are placed in the refrigerator or freezer, take out to the balcony or veranda. At sub-zero temperature seed material is stored up to 15 years. To "wake up" the delphinium, it is enough to stratify and plant the seeds in the ground.

Plant preparation

The seed is first disinfected:

Prepare a rich pink solution of potassium permanganate or fungicide. They recommend "Fitosporin" or "Maxim", which is diluted with water according to the instructions.
Delphinium seeds put in a cloth bag and immersed in a disinfectant for 20 minutes.
Remove the workpiece and wash off the remaining solution running water and then put on a saucer and soak.

There should be little liquid, a few drops of "Epin" or "Zircon" are added to it. Means stimulate growth and increase the percentage of seedlings. What to do after soaking?

After a day, drain the top dressing, and lay the seeds in a thin layer on wet gauze or a piece of cotton fabric.
Roll the rag into a not too tight roll and place in a plastic container.
Put the seed container in the refrigerator and regularly add 10-20 ml of water so that it covers only the bottom of the gauze roll.
When there is too much liquid, the seeds do not breathe and begin to rot.
An alternative to water is wet moss, which is used to transfer fabric rolls with delphinium.

Keep the seed in the refrigerator for about a week. When small white dots hatch, the workpiece is moved to the windowsill and kept under phytolamps or fluorescent lamps for several days. Germinated and heated seeds are planted in open ground or boxes with a special substrate.

Some gardeners in early spring seed is soaked, wrapped in gauze and placed in plastic bags. The workpiece is buried in the ground and left for 1-2 weeks. They do this in April, when the snow begins to melt and the temperature ranges from -5-10 to +3-6 degrees.

Outdoor cultivation

peat and humus - 2 kg each;
wood ash - 100–150 g;
nitrophoska - 20–30 ml.

Coarse-grained sand must be added to heavy soil. On the square meter about a bucket and a half, so that the soil becomes more loose and moisture permeable. 20-30 g of lime is added to the soil with high acidity, otherwise the delphinium will be weak and dull.

The components are thoroughly mixed, poured onto the beds and dug up the soil to a depth of 25–30 cm. The area intended for growing exotic flowers is carefully leveled, breaking up lumps and removing weed residues. The site is lightly tamped and covered with shallow grooves.

The beds are filled with filtered water and sown with germinated seeds. Cover future bushes with a centimeter layer of sifted earth. Protect from frost and rain with a dense film or tarpaulin. The soil is regularly ventilated and moistened, and on the 20-25th day after the emergence of seedlings, it is completely opened.

How to care for delphinium seedlings

Make sure the earth does not dry out.
Periodically apply fertilizers: first nitrogenous, after flowering feed with phosphorus, and in late August and early September, feed with potassium.
Loosen the soil and clear weeds.

This is enough for the plant to develop normally, form buds in a timely manner and throw out buds.

From fridge to drawer

Growing perennial delphiniums is troublesome, but interesting. Seeds are disinfected and stratified, and then planted not in open ground, but in wooden or plastic boxes 10–20 cm deep.

While the seed swells and germinates, prepare the substrate. Mix:

sheet or sod land;
sand;
humus.

Take the components by eye to get a light, loose soil that allows air to pass through and does not retain excess moisture. It is advisable not to add peat. It will make the substrate too acidic, and the delphiniums will turn out pale.

Replace peat with wood ash: 100 g of additive per bucket of finished substrate. An alternative to organic nutrition is a mineral complex. A tablespoon of fertilizer per 10-12 liters of land.

Fill 2/3 of the box with the prepared substrate, not forgetting the drainage layer. Distribute germinated seeds. For 1 sq. see account for 1-2 pcs. The seed is small, so it is recommended to use a wooden toothpick:

Soak the sharp tip in water.
Grab the seed carefully.
Put it in a box, slightly pressing it into the ground.

Sprinkle future seedlings with a thin layer of substrate, tamp with a sheet of paper or glass. Cover the box with burlap or a piece of cardboard so that the seeds do not get light, and send the delphinium to a cool room. Maintain the temperature in the room no higher than +15, otherwise the flower will not sprout. Periodically moisten the soil with a spray bottle or a small watering can with a strainer on the spout.

Delphinium is contraindicated in abundant watering, otherwise rot or a black leg appears on the plant, and the seedlings die. It is impossible for the temperature to fall below +12.

The first shoots will hatch in 8-10 days, maximum - 3 weeks. Usually only 60-70% of the seeds germinate, even if the seed was of good quality and the grower carefully prepared it. Weak seedlings need the sun, so the seedling box is moved to the windowsill. Increase the temperature gradually to +20 so that the delphinium feels comfortable.

If the seeds were planted in late February or early March, when the daylight hours are not long enough, thin seedlings are illuminated with fitolamps so that they do not stretch and weaken.

Dive is carried out after the formation of the third full-fledged leaf.

seedlings exotic flower planted in peat pots. Ordinary plastic ones filled with a nutrient substrate with the addition of mineral fertilizers. Peat tablets it is recommended to soak in a fungicide solution to protect the delphinium from the black leg.

Seedlings in a box are poured with water before picking to soften the ground. With a spatula or hands, a young seedling is separated from the rest, trying not to injure the root system. They are taken out of the box along with a lump of soil. Do not clean off the earth, but immediately transfer the flower to new pot. Leave the cotyledon on the surface of the soil.

The transplanted delphinium is watered after 2-3 days. The plant will take time to adapt and take root. 3 weeks after picking, seedlings are fed with mineral fertilizers intended for roses, or organic solutions. For example, from wood ash or cow.

A healthy delphinium has rich green leaves. If the top is faded, the flower needs more sun or top dressing.

Preparing for the natural environment

In open ground exotic plant transferred in early or mid-May. The main thing is that at night the air temperature does not fall below +10. Light frosts will not harm young bushes, and severe frosts can kill seedlings.

In order for the delphinium to quickly take root in the garden, it is hardened. During the day, they put it on a lighted windowsill and open the windows. Seedlings will get used to ultraviolet light and cool air. Flowers can be hardened on the balcony, but be sure to bring them into the house at night.

So that seedlings grown with such difficulty do not die after transplantation, you need to choose the right site:

One of the main conditions is a lot of morning sun. After lunch, a shadow should fall on the plants.
It is impossible for melt or rain water to stagnate in the area with delphiniums.
Plant flowers at a decent distance from shrubs and trees. Them root system will dominate and draw all useful substances from the soil, depriving the delphinium of food.
Tall exotic bushes can break from strong gusts of wind, so they are recommended to be planted next to a house or a fence that will protect the plant.

A distance of 40–60 cm is observed between flowers. A mixture of humus, lime, wood ash and mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen is added to the pits. root collar and the kidneys are left on the surface of the earth.

The perennial delphinium is fed in the same way as the annual:

nitrogenous fertilizer is applied in the spring;
when the flowers wither, phosphorus composition;
in early August fertilize with potassium.

Important: If at the end of May - beginning of June the delphinium flower stalks fell, you do not need to apply an additional portion of fertilizer. Symptoms point to a yellow heartworm that lays its eggs at the root of the plant. To prevent insect infestation, delphinium bushes are sprayed with insecticides in spring and summer.

After flowering, withered branches are cut off, and the hole is covered with plasticine so that water does not accumulate inside the stem. Moisture contributes to the decay of the plant. Every 4–6 years, the bush is transplanted to a new place, because the flower gradually depletes the earth.

Perennial delphinium will decorate the garden. It is necessary to take great care of two-meter bushes only in the first year of life, then it is enough to water and loosen the ground in a timely manner, periodically clear the area of weeds and carry out preventive spraying with insecticides.

Video: the secret to the success of the seed delphinium

Delphiniums are beautifully flowering, majestic and desirable plants for many gardeners.
Subtleties seed propagation limit the spread of delphinium in gardens, and this brings a lot of grief to flower growers.

Purchased delphinium seeds very often turn out to be dissimilar; It's all about storage conditions.

Storage of delphinium seeds

Delphinium sprouts well only from fresh or properly stored seeds.

Experiments carried out in the USA as early as the beginning of the 19th century showed that with negative temperature(-15 degrees) delphinium seeds stored in hermetically sealed vessels fully retain their germination capacity even after 16 years from the moment of ripening.
And when stored in paper bags at room temperature, the seeds lose their germination capacity after 11 months.
Delphinium seeds sealed in an aluminum foil bag retain their germination a little better.

Our seed companies typically use three years for perennial seeds. By reading the expiration date on a packet of delphinium seeds, you can imagine the harvest year and calculate how long they have been stored.

Still, the best in quality are your own delphinium seeds, collected in your garden or from friends. They should be stored in glass jars in a cool place (in the refrigerator or on the balcony).

How do we sow delphinium seedlings

When sowing a delphinium, there is no unambiguous “recipe”, options are possible. But there are basic principles that must be followed.
I'll tell you how we sow the delphinium.

It is better to sow delphinium seeds for seedlings at the end of March or in April. But if necessary, you can sow the delphinium in May.

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