The elegant, fast-growing Delphinium has been a staple in European gardens for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. While you’ll often spot these beauties in traditional cottage gardens, they’re becoming a huge hit with home gardeners everywhere thanks to those stunning, vibrant blooms. But if you want your Delphiniums to really reach their full potential, they’re going to need a healthy dose of nutrients every now and then.
Stick to Organic Fertilizers for Garden Beds
When it comes to Delphiniums planted in the ground, you generally want to skip the mineral-based liquid fertilizers—especially if your soil is already rich in humus or if you’re growing perennial varieties. Instead, treat your perennials to organic fertilizer about twice a year. Some of the best options for feeding your Delphiniums include:
- Mature garden compost
- Horn meal or horn shavings
- Rock dust (mineral flour)
- Well-rotted horse manure
Pro tip: If you want to sound like a pro at the garden center, you can call them by their botanical name, *Delphinium*.
How to Fertilize Your Delphiniums
The best time to feed these perennials is in the spring before they start sprouting, and again in the fall after you’ve cut them back. Gently work your compost into the soil, but be careful not to nick or damage the roots while you’re at it. If your plants look like they need an extra boost, you can give them another feeding in the summer, right after you prune them following their first bloom cycle.
Feeding Potted Delphiniums
If you’re growing Delphiniums in containers, you’ll need to be a bit more diligent with your feeding schedule. Unlike plants in the ground, potted flowers have a limited supply of nutrients to draw from the soil. For container gardening, organic solids usually aren’t enough; you’ll want to use a liquid fertilizer instead. A standard all-purpose liquid fertilizer from your local garden center works perfectly.
From early March through mid-September, aim to fertilize your potted Delphiniums about every two weeks. Just mix the liquid fertilizer into your watering can according to the dosage instructions on the bottle, and you’re good to go!
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