Larkspur (Delphinium) prefers sheltered locations and deep, nutritious soil. If you remove the faded inflorescences and water them regularly, they will often bloom again in September. Larkspur can be propagated by division; However, propagation from cuttings yields more young plants. But be careful: how successful you are with a certain type of propagation depends on the type and variety of delphinium.
Larkspur can be propagated by division, sowing or cuttings
Propagation of cuttings in delphiniums
Delphinium varieties that are to be propagated vegetatively are best propagated using so-called basal cuttings, which are young shoots with a piece of root. The best time for this type of propagation is April. The young plants obtained in this way already flower in autumn or not until next spring.
Propagate larkspur by cuttings
- In spring, as soon as the plant is about 15 to 20 centimeters high, take cuttings.
- To do this, select young shoots with a piece of the rootstock that is about three to five centimeters long.
- This is necessary because larkspur will only take root if there is an attachment from the old wood.
- Plant the cuttings in a sand-peat mixture (mixing ratio 1:1).
- Put the pots in the cold frame.
- A temperature of around 15 °C is ideal because young delphiniums like it cool.
Already about six weeks later, the development of new leaves indicates that the young plant is rooting. Now you can place the plants in their beds.
Sharing delphiniums
In addition, with many delphiniums, propagation by division is very promising. Either in early spring or after flowering in autumn, the rootstock of the plant is divided into two, three or even four pieces, depending on the size of the clump. Each section must have at least one, but preferably two or three shoots with roots. The outer parts of the rootstock are particularly vigorous, while the inside is usually bare.
Sow delphinium
The propagation of delphiniums by sowing is particularly easy, because you basically have to do nothing more than wait. Most Delphinium varieties will self-seed unless the first bloom is cut back in summer. The follicles, which contain numerous seeds, finally develop from the faded inflorescences. On the other hand, if you want to sow delphiniums, you should stratify the seeds - Delphinium belongs to the cold or frost germs.
tips and tricks
Do not transfer cuttings and seedlings immediately, but harden them step by step. This is especially true for ambient humidity and watering, which should only be reduced gradually. If you place the plants outdoors, you should initially protect them from the sun - regardless of whether it is spring or summer.