Delphiniums

Perennial to Zone 3. Magnificent dense racemes make delphinium excellent in the border and as a cutflower. The name comes from the Greek for ‘dolphin’ and refers to the shape of the spur containing the nectar. Large raceme with many flowers. All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and can cause skin irritation.

Culture: Old seed goes dormant and is very hard to reawaken so order fresh seed each year. Prechill seed for 2–4 weeks, then germinate at 65–75° and grow on at 50–60°. Likes sun, moist rich soil, can tolerate some shade. Heavy feeder; sidedress in spring with well-composted manure. Harvest when one quarter of the flowers are open.

Days in parentheses after a variety indicate days to first bloom.