How to sow large-flowered delphinium
Today's experience sharing: Introduction to the sowing of large-flowered delphinium and the sowing time and methods of delphinium, keep reading for more information!
Delphinium is also known as pigeon flower, dry bird grass, and thousand bird flowers, belonging to the genus Delphinium of the Ranunculaceae family, a perennial herbaceous plant named for its unique flower shape resembling swallows. It has a distinctive and elegant appearance with high ornamental value. Moreover, the whole plant and seeds can be used as medicine to treat toothache, and the juice from the stems and leaves can kill insects. Let's take a look at the planting methods of delphinium!
Methods of sowing delphinium
1. Seed collection: The fruit ripening period of delphinium is not consistent, and it naturally cracks open after ripening, so it should be harvested promptly. Generally, ripe seeds are harvested 1-2 times in June, and all are selected and harvested in July for drying and threshing.
2. Sowing time: Delphinium can be sown in spring and autumn. If sowing in autumn, it must be done by mid-September. However, in areas with high temperatures in summer, sowing should be avoided during the hot season.
3. Post-sowing management: The suitable germination temperature for delphinium is about 15°C, with the soil temperature preferably below 20°C, and it takes about two weeks to germinate. In the north, it is usually transplanted in mid-April, when the plants have 2-4 true leaves, and then planted again when they have 4-7 true leaves.
Methods of planting delphinium
1. Planting: When the delphinium seeds germinate and have 2-4 true leaves, they are transplanted to sunny plots. The seedlings are transplanted when they have 4-7 true leaves in March of the following year, which can result in flowering from May to July. Do not plant the seedlings too deep during transplantation.
2. Watering: Delphinium likes moisture but is also drought-resistant. Watering should be thorough and done when the soil is dry. More water is needed during the flowering period to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
3. Light: Delphinium needs sufficient sunlight to promote plant growth, especially in winter. It can tolerate some shade but should be placed in a semi-shaded area in summer to avoid strong sunlight.
4. Temperature: Delphinium is adaptable to various climates and prefers cool weather. The optimal daytime growing temperature is between 20-25°C, and the nighttime temperature should be controlled between 3-15°C.
5. Fertilization: During the growing period, fertilize once every two weeks. Add 2-3 times of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers before flowering. Keeping the soil moist during flowering can extend the viewing period, and cake fertilizer can be applied 1-3 times per month depending on the growth condition.
6. Height control: After repotting, the height of delphinium can be controlled with paclobutrazol. Apply 5000PPM of paclobutrazol or 1500PPM of daminozide once every two weeks until the buds appear.
7. Diseases and pests: Common diseases and pests affecting delphinium include black spot disease, crown rot, and chrysanthemum leaf blight nematode, which can damage the leaves, flower buds, and stems. These can be controlled by spraying with a 500-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder.
This article shares detailed information on how to sow large-flowered delphinium and the sowing time and methods of delphinium. I hope it can be of help to you!