New Zealand delphiniums

The genus of delphiniums is quite numerous, there are more than 400 species of these herbaceous plants. Of particular interest to the florists are perennials , which include New Zealand delphiniums. Large flower inflorescences have a pyramidal elongated shape. Quite large (about 7 cm in diameter) flowers are white, blue, blue, pink and lilac flowers. A feature of the hybrids of the New Zealand delphiniums is the almost two-meter height of the plant and the dense arrangement of flowers on the peduncle.

Cultivation of New Zealand delphiniums

Oddly enough, a luxurious flower is rather unpretentious: it tolerates seasonal frosts well, does not require systematic care and shelter during the cold period. For reproduction by dividing the bush, the New Zealand delphinium is dug and sprinkled in spring, so that in each of them there are at least two healthy branches. The parts are immediately planted in a permanent place. But the most popular method of propagating a flower culture is cultivation of the New Zealand delphinium from seeds.

The sowing of the New Zealand delphinium is usually carried out in the fall, immediately after harvesting, in the spring - less often, because the germination of the seed material decreases with time. To better preserve the seeds until early March they are advised to store in the refrigerator at a temperature of + 3 ... + 7 degrees, but it is not recommended to soak the seeds of delphiniums. Capacities for planting are filled with light soil, watered with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a base from fungal diseases. Seeds are laid out on the surface, slightly pressed into the ground and topped with a thin layer of soil mixed with sand (less than 1 cm). For a couple of weeks, the containers covered with a film are placed in a cool place with an air temperature of +3 to +5 degrees. After two weeks, the film is removed, and containers with seedlings are put in a light, moderately warm place. If light is not enough, it is necessary to light the seedlings with a lamp. In the first few days, experienced flower growers at night recommend closing the containers with cellophane to maintain moisture. You should water the flowers very carefully, you can use a medical syringe to irrigate. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a fortnight with "Epin" or "Zircon".

New Zealand delphiniums peck out from seeds for 10 - 14 days. Seedlings grow slowly at first. A month and a half later, when 2 to 3 real leaves grow, the plants settle on the hotel pots, and in late May and early June they are planted in the open ground in a place well lit by the sun, where water stagnation is impossible.

Care for New Zealand delphiniums

In the first month, young plants should be shaded from the sun. Delphiniums need timely watering, it will not be superfluous to fertilize the plant 2 times per summer with a solution of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. Young New Zealand delphiniums often suffer from slugs. The fight against parasites should be carried out with metaldegite, scattering it on the ground around the flowers. Since delphiniums grow on the same place for several years, it is necessary to remove annually the lost plants from the plot and feed the culture with the rotted compost and fertilizers such as "Kemira". In the first winter, delphiniums should be covered with lapnik or a layer of soil, covered with a film from above. In subsequent winters shelter can not be organized. In one place, flowers grow to 10 years.

Attention! Parts of the New Zealand delphinium are poisonous, and therefore, when interacting with the plant, it is necessary to observe the necessary precautions: do not touch the hands and eyes, wash hands thoroughly after work in the flower garden.