Delphinium is a bright representative of the buttercup family. There are about 450 varieties of this herbaceous plant, characterized by a wide variety of flower colors. In the people, the flower is known as “larkspur” or “spur”. Delphinium is considered a rather whimsical plant, so many gardeners face certain difficulties in growing it. In addition, he does not like transplants very much. The information below will help you understand the intricacies of the procedure and explain when is the best time to transplant a delphinium.

Delphinium transplant in autumn and spring

Why transplant a delphinium

Perennial delphiniums need periodic transplantation to a new place. 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 place contributes to better development and abundant flowering.

It is recommended to transplant the delphinium at 4-5 years of age. During this period, the bushes give the greatest number of rhizomes suitable for dividing, which, moreover, take root well. It is not recommended to transplant the spur too often.

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 spur root system is cramped in the place where it grows.

Comment! In one place, the delphinium can grow up to 10 years, but every year the plant will weaken, lose its decorative effect. Flowering will become poorer every year, and the flowers will grow smaller in the meantime.

When can I transplant a delphinium

Delphiniums can be transplanted throughout the growing season. For each variety there is the most favorable period. The best time is the beginning of the growing season – April-May. You can also transplant flowers in late summer or early autumn. If transplantation is a necessary measure, for example, in case of illness, then it can be carried out in any month, regardless of the season.

Advice! Most gardeners prefer to transplant the delphinium to another place in the spring. If the plants are transplanted in the fall, then it is recommended to do this in early September (after the end of flowering), so that they have time to adapt and take root before the onset of stable cold weather.

How to transplant a delphinium to another place

Delphiniums are annual and perennial, so their transplant will differ depending on the direction of cultivation. General are the requirements for the choice of planting site, the composition of the soil and its fertilizer.

Attention! Delphinium is a poisonous plant, so all work related to breeding and care should be carried out with precautions. In particular, transplanting plants should only be done with gloves.

Delphinium transplant in autumn and spring

Delphiniums feel comfortable on any type of soil, both poor and nutritious. The main thing is that the soil should not be waterlogged, since these flowers categorically do not like dampness. A spur planted in areas with high groundwater will rot the root system, and it will simply die. In the lowlands, where surface water flows in the spring, winter and autumn periods, it is also not worth transplanting flowers.

Choosing a landing place

An important point during transplantation 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:

  1. It is not recommended to plant bushes in places of close occurrence of groundwater.
  2. It is necessary to provide protection from drafts and strong winds.
  3. The landing site should be as lit as possible, but at the same time at noon – shaded.
  4. Areas with stagnant moisture should be avoided, since water that has not been absorbed into the soil in time provokes rotting of the root system.

The correct choice of a site for transplantation will not only favorably affect the development of the delphinium, but will also contribute to early flowering.

Delphinium transplant in autumn and spring

Soil Preparation

Delphiniums prefer loamy and sandy soils, slightly acidic or neutral, rich in organic matter.

The soil mixture is prepared from the following components:

  • leaf and garden soil (1:1);
  • peat;
  • humus

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 pouring sand at the base of the root neck.

Transplanting a delphinium

Step-by-step delphinium transplant process:

  1. Landing hole formation. Depth – 50 cm, diameter – 40 cm.
  2. Drainage equipment at least 15 cm high.
  3. Mixing the earth in a pit with compost, ash and superphosphate.
  4. Falling asleep with a layer of earthen mixture.
  5. Placement of the bush in the hole.
  6. Straightening of the root system.
  7. Sprinkling on top of the remnants of the soil while keeping the plant in a level 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 frosts, but at the same time before the appearance of young shoots and leaves.

Comment! Larkspur is developing very rapidly, so do not delay with a transplant. The procedure should be postponed until next year, as soon as the first shoots have appeared and blossomed.

The main reasons for transplanting a delphinium in the spring:

  • planting seedlings in open ground;
  • transplanting an adult bush for rejuvenation;
  • seating of young shoots;
  • change of landing site due to inappropriate choice of the previous one.

Seedlings grown in the house must be hardened off before planting in open ground. The distance between young sprouts 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 a few shoots. The incision sites 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.

Delphinium transplant in autumn and spring

First, the separated parts are planted in containers with a pre-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 flower stalks appeared on the plant before transplantation, then they should be removed without regret.

Delphinium transplant in spring

How to transplant a delphinium in the fall

In autumn, delphiniums are mainly transplanted for the purpose of reproduction. Landing can be done in two ways:

  1. Dividing into parts of the rhizome. This method is most suitable for overgrown plants. A pre-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.
  2. Cuttings. The method is quite lengthy and labor-intensive, so gardeners are rarely used. In most cases, a flower transplanted in this way dies.

The landing site must be prepared in advance. It should be a windless, draft-free place. The distance between 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 the summer. The best time to do this is in August. An important requirement is the cessation of flowering in plants. The rules for transplantation and the sequence of milestones of manipulation are the same as in the spring and autumn periods.

Advice! It is strictly forbidden to bury the delphinium when transplanting to a new place. During planting, it is recommended to place the plant in such a way that the root collar with replacement buds is flush with the ground after watering and shrinkage of the soil.

Caring for a delphinium after a transplant

Caring for a delphinium after transplantation is similar to the procedures carried out after planting. The main activities are:

  • top dressing;
  • watering;
  • loosening;
  • weed removal;
  • mulching;
  • cutting

After the shoots grow up to 10-15 cm, the delphinium must be fed with a solution of mullein. For its preparation, cow dung is dissolved in water (proportion 1:10). After removing weeds and loosening, the bed with plants should be mulched. As mulch, you can use organic materials – peat or humus. The mulching layer must 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, near the ground.

Full care for 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 are needed. The soil that has dried up after each watering must be loosened to a depth of at least 3-5 cm.

Delphinium transplant in autumn and spring

Attention! The formation of peduncles during the hot period leads to the formation of so-called “brush gaps”, areas without flowers. This can be prevented with the help of abundant watering and fertilizing with potassium phosphate fertilizers.

Conclusion

Transplanting a delphinium is not at all difficult, despite the fact that the procedure may seem complicated for a person who has encountered such a need for the first time. It is only necessary to consistently follow all the rules outlined above. Tips and advice from experienced gardeners will help you properly transplant and carry out subsequent plant care. Delphiniums, in turn, will adequately decorate the garden and delight with their lush flowering.

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