I don't have any luck with delphiniums, either. The German-bred ones are supposed to be less prima-donna-like. Maybe I can find the article about them.
I feel somewhat comforted that you too have struggled with delphinium. As I consider you a very experienced gardener. Had not heard that about the German type but that might be a better option for us. Strangely, I've grown many delphinium in my personal garden with no problem. Not sure why they didn't work in the field. Learning curve.
My clay soil is probably the culprit. I've had better luck with the "spray" delphiniums--bellamosa from Swallowtail seeds, blue mirror from Renee's. They last a couple of years.
v good to know. i'll check those out to see if they'd be good for cut flower sales. so far the easiest to start from seed for me have been "belladonna" and the easiest to grow from plugs have been pacific giant.
Great - as I have a moment will write something up. I've found very little out there on how to manage it. And what I have found wasn't terribly effective. Glad you don't have it. V sorry your friend does though!
I don't have any luck with delphiniums, either. The German-bred ones are supposed to be less prima-donna-like. Maybe I can find the article about them.
I feel somewhat comforted that you too have struggled with delphinium. As I consider you a very experienced gardener. Had not heard that about the German type but that might be a better option for us. Strangely, I've grown many delphinium in my personal garden with no problem. Not sure why they didn't work in the field. Learning curve.
My clay soil is probably the culprit. I've had better luck with the "spray" delphiniums--bellamosa from Swallowtail seeds, blue mirror from Renee's. They last a couple of years.
v good to know. i'll check those out to see if they'd be good for cut flower sales. so far the easiest to start from seed for me have been "belladonna" and the easiest to grow from plugs have been pacific giant.
I don't have goutweed but my friend does. I'd be interested in passing any tips along to her.
Great - as I have a moment will write something up. I've found very little out there on how to manage it. And what I have found wasn't terribly effective. Glad you don't have it. V sorry your friend does though!