Delphinium chinensis, 'Blue Butterfly'

Germination

Sow indoors in spring. Sow under glass autumn-winter. Indoors, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of vermiculite. Place in a polythene bag and pop in the fridge at 4°C for 1 week then remove to warmth for germination, ideal temp. 15-20°C. A propagator may be used. Keep out of direct sunlight. Germination takes a few weeks. Transplant seedlings into a cell tray and once grown pot on into an 8cm pot. Liquid feed. Acclimatise and plant out from May. Seed can be sown autumn-winter, surface sow, just cover with vermiculite, place somewhere dry and frost free, a garage or greenhouse is ideal. In spring when green shoots appear water and keep in a bright frost free area until danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Although a perennial this if often grown as an annual in the UK. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Shelter from strong winds and stake well. Apply a liquid feed every 2 weeks in the growing season. For best flower spikes thin shoots when 7cm tall to leave a minimum of 2-3 shoots on young plants and 5-7 on established plants.

Cultivation

Deadhead by cutting spent flower spikes back to small flowering side shoots. This will encourage further blooms.