Can I Plant Delphiniums in Pots?

Delphiniums are beautiful, tall and elegant flowers that are prized for their colorful spikes. They are perfect for adding a touch of vibrancy to any garden, but what if you don’t have any space in your garden, or no garden at all? Can delphiniums be grown in pots? The answer is yes! In fact, delphiniums are perfectly suited to container gardening, and this guide will take you through everything you need to know to successfully plant delphiniums in pots.

Choosing the Right Pot

The first step to planting delphiniums in pots is to choose the right container. The size of the pot will depend on how many plants you wish to grow, but generally, each plant will need a container that is at least 12 inches (30cm) deep and wide. This will give the plant enough room to grow, and also prevent the pot from drying out too quickly.

When choosing a pot, it’s essential to ensure that it has drainage holes at the bottom, as delphiniums don’t like to have their roots sitting in water. You can also add a layer of gravel or broken pottery to the bottom of the pot to aid drainage.

Preparing the Soil

Delphiniums prefer fertile, well-draining soil, so it’s important to select a good quality potting mix. You can add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its fertility. It’s also a good idea to mix in some perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

Planting the Delphiniums

When planting delphiniums in pots, it’s essential to ensure that the plants are planted at the correct depth. The crown of the plant (where the stem meets the roots) should be level with the surface of the soil. If the crown is buried too deeply, the plant may rot, while if it’s too high, the plant may dry out.

Before planting the delphiniums, water the soil well, and allow it to drain. Then, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. Place the plant in the hole, and fill in the soil around it, firming it down gently. Water the plant again, taking care not to over-water it.

Caring for Delphiniums in Pots

Delphiniums require regular watering, particularly during hot or dry weather. It’s important not to over-water the plants, as this can lead to root rot. Instead, water the plants deeply once or twice a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly in between watering.

Delphiniums also require regular feeding, especially when they are in pots. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks throughout the growing season. It’s important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully, as over-fertilizing can cause the plants to become spindly and weak.

Finally, it’s important to deadhead the delphiniums throughout the growing season to promote more blooms. Simply remove the spent flower spikes by cutting them off at the base of the stem.

In Conclusion

Delphiniums can be grown successfully in pots, provided the right container, soil, and care are provided. With their tall spikes and beautiful colors, delphiniums are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any patio or balcony. Give delphiniums a try in your container garden, and enjoy the beauty of these stunning flowers all season long.