Delphinium Mixed

Caution: irritant to skin and eyes, harmful if eaten. Plant delphinium bareroots at the earliest opportunity following delivery. Should soil conditions prevent planting directly into borders (if soil is frozen or waterlogged), bareroots should be potted up, watered sparingly and grown on in a cool position for planting out at a later date. Choose a sunny position, sheltered from strong winds, in moist, well drained soil. Work some well rotted manure or garden compost into the soil. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the bareroot with its roots spread out and deep enough that the crown of the plant is just a few cm below soil level. Backfill the hole with soil and firm the plant in gently. Leave a slight depression around the plant – this will help to direct water towards the roots. Water well to settle the soil.

Feed and water regularly until plants are established.When shoots reach a height of 30cm, the tall stems will require staking with garden canes for support.Remove old delphinium flowers as soon as they fade to encourage another flush to be produced later in the season. In autumn, remove old foliage and apply a mulch of well rotted manure to the base of the plant. Lift and divide in autumn every third year to maintain their vigour.