Belladonna Mix Delphinium represents the hardiest type of delphinium available to northern gardeners, thriving in zones 3 through 7 with an open-pollinated genetic foundation that lets you save seeds year after year. This cultivar grows as a bushy plant reaching maturity in 130 to 135 days, producing tall spikes of flowers in a mixture of rich hues that emerge from the Delphinium x belladonna parentage. Though it prefers partial shade, it commands attention as a cut flower, where its blooms remain fresh and stunning in the vase when harvested at the right moment.
12
Partial Shade
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3-7
?in H x ?in W
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High
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The hardiness of Belladonna Mix sets it apart in colder climates where other delphiniums struggle to overwinter. What truly distinguishes this variety is its ability to flower twice in a single season: cut the stems immediately after the first flush fades, and the plant responds with a second blooming in late summer and early fall. An open-pollinated hybrid, it opens the door to seed saving, letting resourceful gardeners perpetuate their favorite color forms from year to year.
Belladonna Mix Delphinium excels as a cut flower, where its tall spikes bring drama and height to fresh arrangements. The stems should be harvested when roughly one-quarter to one-third of the flowers along the spike are already open, then placed immediately in water to extend vase life. This timing ensures the remaining buds will open gracefully indoors, providing weeks of garden beauty brought inside.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 10 to 16 weeks before your planned outdoor planting date, covering them lightly with soil. Keep the seedbed at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit in a greenhouse or cold frame. Transplant seedlings into larger cell packs or 3- to 4-inch containers about 6 to 8 weeks after germination, continuing to maintain the cooler growing temperature.
Harden off seedlings gradually over several days, then transplant outside after your last frost date. Space plants 12 inches apart. In greenhouse production, transplant plugs into raised beds during August through September for fall establishment.
Cut stems for the vase when one-quarter to one-third of the flowers along the spike are open. This staging ensures the remaining buds will continue opening indoors, prolonging the arrangement's life. Place cut stems immediately in water to seal the cut and maximize freshness.
Cut stems immediately after the first bloom fades to encourage a second flowering in late summer and early fall. This deadheading strategy redirects the plant's energy into fresh flower production rather than seed development, extending your harvest season significantly.
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