Delphinium Seed Prices and Planting Methods Explained
Delphinium, also known as pigeon flower, dry bird grass, thousand-bird flower, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Delphinium in the buttercup family. It gets its name because its flower shape is distinctive and closely resembles little swallows. The flowers are uniquely shaped with elegant colors and very high ornamental value. In addition, the whole plant and seeds can be used as medicine to treat toothache, and the juice soaked from stems and leaves can kill insects. Let's take a look at delphinium seed prices and planting methods below!
How much does a jin of delphinium seeds cost?
The price of delphinium seeds is about 120 to 200 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, and so on. Delphinium has strong adaptability to climate, and a moist and cool climate environment is more suitable. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 15°C, and the optimum temperature during the growing period is 20 to 25°C during the day and 3 to 15°C at night. It likes light and can tolerate slight shade. During the growing period it can be placed in semi-shade, and during the flowering period it needs sufficient sunlight. It likes fertile, moist, well-drained acidic soil, and can also tolerate drought and slightly tolerate water temperature. A pH value of 5.5 to 6.0 is best.
Sowing Methods for Delphinium
1. Seed collection: The fruit ripening period of delphinium is inconsistent, and the fruit naturally splits after ripening, so it should be harvested in time. Generally, in June, the already ripe seeds are harvested first 1 to 2 times, and in July all selected superior plants are harvested, sun-dried, and threshed.
2. Sowing time: Delphinium can be sown in both spring and autumn. If sowing in autumn, it must be done in mid-September. However, in places where summer temperatures are relatively high, sowing needs to avoid the hottest summer period.
3. Post-sowing management: The optimum germination temperature for delphinium is about 15°C, and the soil temperature is best below 20°C. It germinates in about two weeks. In the north, it is generally planted out in mid-April. It is transplanted when it has 2 to 4 true leaves, and planted out when it has 4 to 7 true leaves.
Planting Methods for Delphinium
1. Planting: When delphinium seeds germinate and grow 2 to 4 true leaves, transplant them into a sunny cold frame for cultivation. In March of the following year, when the seedlings grow 4 to 7 true leaves, plant them out. In this way, they can bloom from May to July. When transplanting, do not plant the plants too deep.
2. Watering: Delphinium likes moisture and is also drought-tolerant. When watering, water thoroughly at one time. Water whenever the soil dries. During the flowering period, water appropriately more so that the soil does not become too dry.
3. Light: Delphinium needs to receive sufficient sunlight to promote plant growth, especially in winter. It tolerates a certain amount of shade. In summer, avoid strong light and place it in a semi-shaded place.
4. Temperature: Delphinium has strong adaptability to climate and likes cool weather. The best growth temperature during the day is between 20 and 25°C, and at night it should be controlled at 3 to 15°C.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing period, fertilize delphinium once every half month. Before flowering, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer 2 to 3 additional times. Keeping the soil moist during the flowering period can prolong the flowering viewing period. At the same time, according to growth conditions, apply cake fertilizer water 1 to 3 times per month.
6. Height control: After delphinium is repotted, paclobutrazol can be used to control plant height. Apply 5000 PPM paclobutrazol or 1500 PPM daminozide once, once every half month, until flower buds appear.
7. Pests and diseases: Common delphinium problems include black spot, crown and root rot, and chrysanthemum leaf blight nematode, which damages leaves, flower buds, and stems. They can be controlled by spraying a 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder diluted 500 times.