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Delphinium is a bright representative of the buttercup family. There are about 450 varieties of this herbaceous plant, distinguished by a wide variety of flower colors. The flower is popularly known as “larkspur” or “spur.” Delphinium is considered a rather whimsical plant, so many gardeners encounter certain difficulties when growing it. Besides, he doesn't really like transplants. The information presented below will help you understand the intricacies of the procedure and explain when it is best to replant the delphinium.
Why replant delphinium
Perennial delphiniums need periodic replanting to a new location. Over time, the soil on which larkspur grows becomes poorer, and even fertilizing will not be able to improve its properties. Transplanting to a new location promotes better development and abundant flowering.
It is recommended to replant delphinium at 4-5 years of age. During this period, the bushes produce the largest number of rhizomes suitable for division, which also take root well.It is not recommended to replant spurs too often.
If necessary, you can transplant the delphinium a little earlier. In the case when, for example, an adult flower began to hurt, its foliage began to dry out. Also, immediate replanting is necessary if there are suspicions that the root system of the spur is cramped in the place where it grows.
When can you replant delphinium?
Delphiniums can be replanted throughout the growing season. There is a most favorable period for each variety. The best time is considered to be the beginning of the growing season – April-May. You can also replant flowers in late summer or early autumn. If the transplant is a necessary measure, for example, in case of illness, then it can be carried out in any month, regardless of the time of year.
How to transplant a delphinium to another place
Delphiniums are either annual or perennial, so replanting them will differ depending on the direction of cultivation. General requirements apply to the choice of planting site, soil composition and fertilization.
Delphiniums feel comfortable in any type of soil, both poor and nutritious. The main thing is that the soil is not waterlogged, since these flowers categorically do not like dampness. A spur plant planted in areas with high groundwater levels will have its root system rot and will simply die. In lowlands where surface water flows in spring, winter and autumn, it is also not worth replanting flowers.
Choosing a landing site
An important point during transplantation is choosing the right planting site, despite the fact that many gardeners pay little attention to this.
When choosing a landing site, you should adhere to the following rules:
- It is not recommended to plant bushes in areas close to groundwater.
- It is necessary to provide protection from drafts and strong winds.
- The landing site should be maximally illuminated, but at the same time shaded at noon.
- Areas with stagnant moisture should be avoided, since water that is not absorbed into the soil in time provokes rotting of the root system.
The correct choice of a site for transplantation will not only have a beneficial effect on the development of the delphinium, but will also contribute to early flowering.
Soil preparation
Delphiniums prefer loamy and sandy loam soils, slightly acidic or neutral, rich in organic matter.
The soil mixture is prepared from the following components:
- leaf and garden soil (1:1);
- peat;
- humus.
You need to season it with 1-2 tbsp. l complex mineral fertilizer.On acidic soils, add ash or lime. In damp or flooded areas, it is recommended to plant the delphinium on a hill, adding sand at the base of the root collar.
Transplanting delphinium
Step-by-step process of transplanting delphinium:
- Formation of a planting hole. Depth – 50 cm, diameter – 40 cm.
- Drainage equipment with a height of at least 15 cm.
- Mixing the soil in the pit with compost, ash and superphosphate.
- Covering the sand with a layer of earthen mixture.
- Placing the bush in the hole.
- Straightening the root system.
- Sprinkling the remaining soil on top while simultaneously holding the plant in a level position.
How to replant delphinium in spring
Spring is considered the most favorable period for replanting delphinium to another place. Planting should be carried out immediately after the end of the latest spring frosts, but at the same time before the appearance of young shoots and leaves.
The main reasons for transplanting delphinium in the spring:
- planting seedlings in open ground;
- replanting an adult bush for rejuvenation;
- planting young shoots;
- change of landing site due to inappropriate choice of the previous one.
Seedlings grown indoors must be hardened off before planting in open ground. The distance between young shoots should be 50-60 cm.
Perennial bushes that have reached three years of age are dug up in early spring, when the height is at least 15 cm. They must be divided in such a way that each part has at least several shoots.The cut areas should be immediately sprinkled with crushed charcoal or activated carbon, as well as a heteroauxin tablet. It is necessary to trim the stems and remove deformed roots.
First, the separated parts are planted in containers with a pre-prepared mixture (soil, sand, humus). Until they take root (about 2 weeks), the pots should be kept in a warm and bright place, in a house or greenhouse. After which the delphiniums are transplanted directly into the flower garden. If flower stalks appear on the plant before transplantation, they should be removed without regret.
How to replant delphinium in the fall
In autumn, delphiniums are mainly transplanted for the purpose of reproduction. There are two ways to land:
- Dividing the rhizome into parts. This method is most suitable for overgrown plants. A pre-perennial bush is dug up, divided into several parts, each of which is transplanted to a previously prepared place. All manipulations must be carried out as carefully as possible so as not to damage the root system. If the root is accidentally damaged with a shovel, both the adult delphinium and its shoots will die.
- By cuttings. The method is quite lengthy and labor-intensive, so it is used extremely rarely by gardeners. In most cases, a flower transplanted in this way dies.
The site for planting must be prepared in advance. This should be a windless, draft-free place. The distance between transplanted bushes should be at least 0.5 m.
How to replant delphinium in summer
Despite the fact that spring and autumn are considered the most favorable periods for replanting, delphinium can be replanted in the summer.It is best to carry out this procedure in August. An important requirement is to stop flowering in plants. The rules for transplantation and the sequence of milestones are the same as in the spring and autumn periods.
Caring for delphinium after transplantation
Caring for delphinium after transplantation is similar to the procedures carried out after planting. The main activities are:
- feeding;
- watering;
- loosening;
- weed removal;
- mulching;
- thinning.
After the shoots grow to 10-15 cm, the delphinium must be fed with mullein solution. To prepare it, cow dung is dissolved in water (proportion 1:10). After removing weeds and loosening the bed with plants should be mulched. Organic materials such as peat or humus can be used as mulch. The mulch layer should be at least 3 cm.
When the height of the delphiniums is about 20-30 cm, they begin to thin them out. This procedure acts as a preventive measure against pests and diseases, and also promotes better air circulation. To get the largest and most beautiful inflorescences in one bush, you should leave no more than 3-5 stems. To do this, the weakest shoots inside are removed. They are cut or broken off as low as possible, close to the ground.
Full delphinium care includes mandatory watering. He is especially responsive to it during the formation of inflorescences.For full development, one flower needs about 60 liters of water during the entire growing season. Dried soil after each watering must be loosened to a depth of at least 3-5 cm.
Conclusion
Replanting a delphinium is not at all difficult, despite the fact that the procedure may seem complicated to a person who is faced with such a need for the first time. You just need to consistently follow all the rules outlined above. Hints and advice from experienced gardeners will help you properly replant and provide subsequent care for your plants. Delphiniums, in turn, will adequately decorate the garden and delight you with their lush flowering.
