A delphinium can be reduced to nothing by slugs within its first few weeks, long before the dramatic flower spike most people picture.
Delphiniums produce tall, dramatic flower spikes on hollow stems that snap easily once top-heavy, so staking needs to go in early, before the plant needs it. Slugs can strip emerging shoots to nothing in their first few weeks, making early protection as important as the eventual staking.
Sowing & growing calendar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protect | Protect in March | Protect in April | ||||||||||
| Job | Job in April | Job in July |
Care details
- Protect March – April
Guard emerging shoots from slugs — a delphinium can be eaten to nothing within its first few weeks.
- Job In April
Stake early with canes or a ring — the hollow stems snap easily once top-heavy with flower.
- Job In July
Cut the spent flower spike right down after the first flush for a smaller second bloom in late summer.
Growing tips & common problems
- Protect emerging shoots from slugs and snails the moment they appear — this is the single most vulnerable stage.
- Stake early with canes or a ring, since the hollow stems snap easily once heavy with flower.
- Cut the spent flower spike right down after the first flush for a smaller second bloom later in summer.
Grows well with
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