A Detailed Explanation of Delphinium Planting Techniques and Management Methods
Delphinium is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Delphinium, named for its distinctive flower shape, which closely resembles little swallows. It is cultivated in every province of our country. Its roots and seeds can be used as medicine; the seeds have emetic and purgative effects, and when applied externally can kill insects and treat scabies, while the roots can treat bruises and injuries. So how should delphinium be planted? Let's take a look together.
1. Site Selection and Land Preparation
Delphinium prefers sunny, cool climate conditions, is cold-tolerant and afraid of high temperatures, and grows best in deep, loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soil, with acidic soil being preferable for planting. After selecting the site, plow it several times so the soil weathers thoroughly, then apply base fertilizer according to the soil's fertility status, mainly organic fertilizer and farmyard manure, together with an appropriate amount of compound fertilizer. After leveling and raking smooth, make beds or ridges, prepare drainage ditches, and wait to plant.
2. Propagation Methods
Delphinium is mostly propagated by sowing, and either spring or autumn sowing works. In the north, spring sowing is suitable, generally carried out in March. Before sowing, the seeds should be cold-stored to break dormancy and increase the germination rate. Direct sowing is generally chosen, sowing in furrows opened on the bed surface; after sowing, cover with soil and water, and seedlings will sprout in about 15-20 days. The time for autumn sowing is August to September, when the temperature is suitable and the seeds do not need pre-germination treatment; they sprout about 15 days after sowing. When planting out in spring, cuttings and division can be used for propagation, which can improve production efficiency. Cuttings are generally taken in spring, while division can be done in both spring and autumn.
3. Transplanting
Delphinium is a taproot plant and does not tolerate transplanting, so in general production, direct sowing is preferable. If transplanting is to be carried out, it is usually done when the plant has grown 3-4 leaves. Note that it must be transplanted with soil, and care must be taken not to knock off the soil around the roots, otherwise the plant's survival rate will be low.
4. Field Management
During the growing period of delphinium, topdressing is needed once every half month, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, to promote rapid plant growth. During the flowering period, topdressing is needed 2-3 times, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. In addition, the soil must be kept moist for a long time; water promptly when it is dry, and also take good drainage measures during the rainy season to avoid waterlogging and root rot. Its inflorescence is tall, so during the flowering period, hilling up soil should be done to prevent the plant from lodging. When the plants grow to 30 cm, nets should also be stretched between the rows to secure them and prevent lodging.
The above is an introduction to delphinium planting techniques. We hope it can help you. To learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.