The annual delphinium is an attractive flowering crop that has a slender tall stem dotted with many flowers. Depending on the variety, the color of the flowers can be purple, blue, pink, etc. Delphinium belongs to the Buttercup family, today there are about 400 varieties that are distributed throughout the world. Delphinium species are divided into annual and perennial. The plant is in great demand among agronomists due to its bright inflorescence and large size. Subject to the rules of agricultural technology, lush flowering begins at the end of June and lasts for a month. Annual delphinium: growing from seeds, features of care - the topic of today's article.

Delphinium annual: features and characteristics

The annual delphinium is a fast-growing herb. Depending on the variety, the stem height can reach from 0.4 to 2 meters, flowers of unusual shape and color are grouped on them. Instead of petals, sepals are formed, painted in all sorts of colors, there are 5 of them. The length of the spur can vary from 5 mm to 4 cm, nectarics are formed inside, which attract the attention of insects.

Interesting:in some regions of South America, the smallest birds in the world, hummingbirds, are pollinators of the delphinium.

In addition to nectarics, two miniature petals form in the center of the flower, which form a peephole called staminode. They are usually white, gray or black in color. Inflorescences, depending on the variety, may differ in density, size, they bloom simultaneously or gradually.

Characteristics of species and varieties

Delphinium terry

There are about 40 species of annuals. It is this type of plant that is considered less demanding than perennials. They also differ in appearance: flowers are formed less, the height of the stem does not exceed 1 m, in contrast to perennial varieties, the height of which can exceed 3 m. A special approach to care is not required. If an annual delphinium is grown from seeds, it will bloom earlier than perennials.

Delphinium annual

Annual species

  • Field - refers to tall varieties, the height reaches 1.5 meters. The texture of the inflorescences can be regular and terry, the color palette is huge. Flowering of this variety begins in mid-summer and lasts until the first or second decade of September. The culture is poisonous, used as an antihelminthic and diuretic. Famous varieties:
    • Qis Dark Blue is a flower with dark blue flowers.
    • Frosted Sky is a plant with showy blue flowers and a white center.
    • Qis Rose is a variety with pale pink flowers.
  • Delphinium Ajax is a low-growing ornamental plant, the height varies from 30 cm to 1 m. The most common color is pink-lilac. The culture begins to bloom already in the year of planting, the duration of flowering is from mid-summer to the first frost. Based on this variety, the following varieties have been bred:
    • A mixture of hyacinth - compact undersized plants, height not exceeding 50 cm. Terry inflorescences are formed simultaneously along the entire length of the stem. Annual delphinium hyacinth has a wide variety of colors. Gardeners actively grow it along the fence, structures and among group plantings.The variety is actively used for decorating flower arrangements, since it retains an attractive appearance for a long time in the cut (up to 10 days).
    • Race Kelsey is a tall variety, the inflorescences are formed elongated, the texture is dense. The most common colors are purple, white, lilac and pink.

Agricultural rules

If the gardener wishes to contemplate flowering in the year of planting, it is necessary to plant seeds in mid-March - early April. A prerequisite for storing seed is to use seeds that are not more than 1 year old, they must be stored in the refrigerator, otherwise they will lose their germination. Containers used for growing seedlings must be sterile clean. Seeds usually germinate after 3-4 weeks.

Delphinium annual blue

Delphinium New Zealand

Algorithm for planting seeds for seedlings:

  1. To disinfect the seeds, it is necessary to keep them for 20 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate (manganese). Dry.
  2. Pick up sufficiently deep containers, almost completely fill them with fertile soil. The most suitable soil for the annual delphinium is slightly acidic, clayey.
  3. Spread the planting material evenly over the surface of the ground and sprinkle carefully on top with a thin layer. Moisten the soil abundantly.
  4. For active germination, you will need to darken the seedlings, cover the containers with glass, newspaper or plastic. The optimum temperature for germination is +14 degrees.
  5. Care must be taken to ensure that the seedlings do not dry out and, conversely, do not experience excess moisture. In order not to damage the plants, it is necessary to water them from the pan or use a syringe without a needle.
  6. Plants must be ventilated every day, otherwise, due to the formed condensation, rotting may begin, and fungal diseases will develop.
  7. With an interval of 3-5 days, take out the seedlings to fresh air for hardening. The duration of the walk is 20-30 minutes.
  8. When stable warm weather is observed outside, plants can be transferred from home conditions to open ground.

Until the plant is completely rooted in open soil, it will need to be covered with a plastic bottle or jar. With a steady warming, the shelter is removed.

Important:a similar seed sowing algorithm is suitable for all varieties of delphinium, but it is worth remembering that tall representatives need a garter. You have to be careful when working with the culture, because all its parts are poisonous.

Caring for an annual delphinium

To ensure lush flowering, the gardener will need to perform all agrotechnical measures.

Delphinium develops well with moderate watering. Excess moisture is no less destructive than deficiency. The culture needs to be watered under the root system, especially during periods of drought. At intervals of a week, 2-3 buckets of water are required to be poured under the bush. Loosening is recommended after each watering.

The introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers is the most crucial stage in the cultivation of an annual delphinium. During the growing season, 3 dressings should be carried out. The first is when the plant reaches 15 cm in height, the second is during the formation of buds, and the third is after the end of flowering. It is recommended to use preparations containing saltpeter, potassium chloride and superphosphates as complex mineral fertilizers. They are evenly distributed over the peri-stem circle, slightly burying them in the ground.

Annual delphinium is a wonderful plant that falls in love with its unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. Even novice gardeners can grow it, it is enough to first familiarize yourself with all the rules for planting and caring for the crop.