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Delphinium is a striking representative of the buttercup family. There are about 450 varieties of this herb, with 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 face certain difficulties when growing it. Besides, he doesn't like transplants very much. The information presented below will help you understand the intricacies of the procedure and explain when it is best to transplant a delphinium.
Why transplant delphinium
Perennial delphiniums need periodic transplantation to a new location. Over time, the soil on which the larkspur grows becomes poorer and even top dressing will not be able to improve its properties. Transplanting to a new location promotes better development and abundant flowering.
It is recommended to transplant a delphinium at the age of 4-5 years. During this period, the bushes give the greatest number of rhizomes suitable for dividing, which, moreover, take root well. Too often, replanting the spur is not recommended.
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, an immediate transplant is necessary if there are suspicions that the root system of the burgundy is cramped in the place where it grows.
When can you transplant delphinium
Delphiniums can be transplanted 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 transplant flowers in late summer or early fall. If the transplant is a forced 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 annual and perennial, so their transplant will differ depending on the direction of cultivation. The general requirements are for the choice of a planting site, the composition of the soil and its fertilization.
Delphiniums feel comfortable on 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, planted in areas with a high occurrence of groundwater, will rot the root system, and it will simply die.In the lowlands, where surface water flows in the spring, winter and autumn, it is also not worth replanting flowers.
Choosing a landing site
An important point during transplanting 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 places where groundwater is close.
- It is necessary to provide protection against drafts and strong winds.
- The landing site should be as illuminated as possible, 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 transplanting 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 loamy soils, slightly acidic or neutral, rich in organic matter.
The soil mixture is prepared from the following components:
- leaf and garden land (1: 1);
- peat;
- humus.
It is necessary 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, while adding sand at the base of the root collar.
Delphinium transplant
Delphinium transplant step-by-step process:
- Formation of the landing hole. Depth - 50 cm, diameter - 40 cm.
- Drainage equipment with a height of at least 15 cm.
- Mixing soil in a pit with compost, ash and superphosphate.
- Filling the sand with a layer of earthen mixture.
- Placing a bush in the hole.
- Expansion of the root system.
- Sprinkling on top with the rest of the soil while keeping the plant in an even position.
How to transplant a delphinium in spring
Spring is considered the most favorable period for transplanting the delphinium to another place. Planting should be carried out immediately after the end of the latest spring frost, but at the same time before the appearance of young shoots and leaves.
The main reasons for transplanting a delphinium in the spring:
- planting seedlings in open ground;
- transplanting an adult bush for rejuvenation;
- seating young growth;
- change of the landing site due to the inappropriate choice of the previous one.
Seedlings grown in the house must be hardened before planting in open ground. The distance between young shoots should be 50-60 cm.
Perennial bushes that have reached the age of three 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. Places of incisions should be immediately sprinkled with crushed charcoal or activated charcoal, as well as a heteroauxin tablet. It is necessary to cut the stems and remove the deformed roots.
First, the separated parts are planted in containers with a previously prepared mixture (earth, 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 that, the delphiniums are transplanted directly into the flower garden. If peduncles appeared on the plant before the transplantation, then they should be removed without regret.
How to transplant a delphinium in the fall
In the fall, delphiniums are mainly transplanted for the purpose of reproduction. Landing can be done in two ways:
- By dividing the rhizome into parts. This method is most suitable for overgrown plants. Previously, a 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.In case of accidental damage to the root with a shovel, both the adult delphinium and its growth will die.
- By cuttings. The method is quite lengthy and labor-intensive, therefore it is extremely rarely used by gardeners. In most cases, the flower transplanted in this way will die.
The site for planting must be prepared in advance. It should be a windless, draft-free place. The distance between the transplanted bushes should be at least 0.5 m.
How to transplant a delphinium in the summer
Despite the fact that spring and autumn are considered the most favorable periods for transplanting, the delphinium can be transplanted in summer. This procedure is best done in August. An important requirement is the cessation of flowering in plants. The transplanting rules and the sequence of milestones of manipulations are the same as in the spring and autumn periods.
Delphinium care after transplant
Post-transplant delphinium care is similar to post-transplant procedures. The main activities are:
- top dressing;
- watering;
- loosening;
- weed removal;
- mulching;
- thinning.
After the shoots grow up to 10-15 cm, the delphinium must be fed with a mullein solution. For its preparation, cow dung is dissolved in water (proportion 1:10). After removing the weeds and loosening, the plant bed should be mulched. Organic materials such as peat or humus can be used as mulch. The mulching layer should be at least 3 cm.
When the height of the delphiniums is about 20-30 cm, they begin to thin 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, no more than 3-5 stems should be left. To do this, the weakest shoots are removed inside. They are cut or broken off as low as possible, close to the ground.
Full care of the delphinium includes mandatory watering. He is especially responsive to him during the formation of inflorescences. For the full development of one flower during the entire growing season, about 60 liters of water is needed. The soil that has dried up after each watering must be loosened to a depth of at least 3-5 cm.
Conclusion
Transplanting a delphinium is not at all difficult, despite the fact that for a person who first encountered such a need, the procedure may seem complicated. It is only necessary to consistently follow all the rules set out above. Tips and advice from experienced gardeners will help you properly transplant and take care of your plants. Delphiniums, in turn, will adequately decorate the garden and delight with their lush flowering.
