If you want to learn how to cut back delphiniums, then you’re just in the right place; you’ll just have to follow a few simple steps as well as some tips to make everything right.
Most likely, if you’re a gardener, you would prune or cut off the stalk of delphiniums in springtime. During these days, a lot of people are taking a fancy in decorating their gardens with colorful and rich flowers.
Some are even exploring different growing processes to improve their plants’ appearance and make them more ornamental. If you are one of them, then read on so you will better understand how to cut back delphiniums.
Why Delphiniums?
Perhaps, you’re wondering why delphiniums? First of all, they are beautiful and elegant flowers; being prominent in nations at Northern Hemisphere and Africa.
Aside from its appearance, delphiniums are admired by many because it represents goodwill and cheerfulness. It can also be a good display to commemorate loved ones.
Even though it’s popular and beautiful, growers are also challenged in achieving richer and more pleasing delphiniums. It is a type of plant that is very sensitive so you must make sure to consider a lot of factors.
If you’re problem is how to cut back delphiniums, then here are the steps:
Steps In Cutting Back Delphiniums
For larger yields and greater blooms, growers usually cut back the main stalk of delphiniums. They do this because they expect that it will grow again with more leaves and bigger showings. This process is called cutting or pruning.
Pruning is all about removing a specific part of a plant; it is done if you want the plant to grow again with a better appearance. You will be delighted how you can transform a plant with a single stem to a three-pronged one.
If you’re problem is how to cut back delphiniums, then here are the steps:
#1 Start the process when leaves are falling off
You would know that it’s time to cut back delphiniums if there are already a lot of leaves falling off. It’s a sign when the plant cannot adapt to the environment due to changes.
Perform the first step immediately if two-thirds of the leaves have already wilted. It usually happens during summertime. You can also do the process in advance during spring so you can see it blooming on the next season.
#2 Prepare your tools
We suggest that you use shears and bypass pruners. These tools are also put forward by a lot of growers. Remember that it should be clean and sharp enough to cut the thick stalks of delphiniums.
#3 Time to cut the stalk
You just need to cut the stalk. Cut it off the base. Remember that there are a lot of above mentioned considerations before doing this step. The process doesn’t just end there because there is a lot of maintenance that you should do after cutting.
#4 Eliminate every flower stalk (optional)
If you did this in spring and if you want to make sure that the stalk is already back in summer, this step is something that you must remember.
After it finished blooming, you need to eliminate every flower stalk. This allows you to lessen the odds that it will form seeds. Remember, this process is discretionary.
#5 Do the trimming from the base
Delphinium is a perennial variety. As observed, the second flush of bloom occurs with this type of plant if it’s usually and severely cut back. At this time, we suggest that you trim a 1/4 inch from the base of the plant.
#6 Trimming the leaves
Once it stops blooming and starts falling again, trim back all of the basal leaves.
Tips Before Cutting Back Delphiniums
Delphiniums prefer a cool and moist environment. That’s why you rarely see this flourish and bloom during summer or in countries with an extremely hot climate. Let me give you just some of the tips on how to achieve upgraded delphiniums.
#1 Know where you will plant it
Let’s start with a basic step. Of course, you need to make sure that your soil is fertile and healthy. You must also plant it in an area with the right amount of sunlight and with strong winds.
As mentioned above, this plant is too sensitive; it might not last long if it’s too cool. For sure, it can’t stand extremely high temperature.
#2 Determine when you will plant it
We suggest that you plant it during spring. Spring is a season of growth and fertility; it is expected that a lot of plants flourish during this time. Knowing how delphiniums deal with temperature, spring is just a perfect time for it to grow.
#3 Understand what the plant needs
Water is essential to all plants. Delphiniums need more water, so we suggest that you water it frequently. You must relay check if the soil is still moist and wet. You will not like the result if you miss watering because it dries easily and quickly.
#4 Plant in a convenient place
Take note that if you choose to plant it on a pot, it dries rapidly. It is suggested that you plant delphiniums on the ground because it can store more water. But if planting on the pot is the only choice that you have, you don’t need to worry, just take time on checking it from time to time.
Even so, these steps might not be enough. Yes, you are guaranteed of the growth of the plants. But, you can always enhance their appearance and condition, so it will not only bloom during spring, but it will stay beautiful even in summer and winter.
Conclusion
Taking care of delphiniums is indeed a complicated and not-so-easy job. But, of course, if you work for it, you’ll be amazed by the results. Cutting back is a tested and proven way to enhance your plants. Its results in delphiniums are something that we should put forward.
Just do the right process on how to cut back delphiniums, and everything will follow. I am hoping that the tips included in the article will be helpful for you to have prettier flowers with bigger yields.