💙 Delphinium: Growing Guide
Delphinium (Delphinium elatum) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.5–7.5. Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart. Expect 120+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Delphinium elatum |
|---|---|
| Category | Flowers |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 60 cm (24 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 25 °C (−22 to 77 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 120+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm (0.2 in) |
| Height | 100–200 cm (39–79 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | ||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Sow | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb, Sep · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Oct.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Feb, Aug · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr, Sep.
Watering
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Growing tips
Spectacular blue spires. Pacific Giant. Support is essential. Poisonous!
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Delphinium: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr, Oct · Harvest: May–Jun. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Delphinium: how often should I water it?
Water about every 3 days in summer and about every 8 days in winter. Steady moisture.
Delphinium: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 60 cm (24 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 0.5 cm (0.2 in).
Delphinium: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 120+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Delphinium: which plants grow well with it?
Rose, Peony.
Delphinium: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Powdery mildew.
Plan your garden
Add Delphinium to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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