From: kvj@mcs.net (Kevin Johnson)
Newsgroups: rec.gardens
Subject: Re: ORN Delphinium Pacific Giants - how to stake?
Date: Fri, 19 May 95 01:49:22 GMT

cynthiacwi@aol.com (CynthiaCwi) wrote:
> I'm making my first attempt at growing delphiniums.  The Pacific
> Giants are said to get 6 feet tall and need staking.  Will the "grow
> through hoops" which stand about two feet tall be sufficient or will
> they need something more substantial?  Also, any recommend- ations
> for frequency and type of fertilization.  I planted them in nearly
> pure compost/composted manure, at least in their small section of
> the border.  Indianapolis, zone 5

  It's very unusual for Pacific Giants to get to be 6 feet tall in
Indianapolis, zone 5. You can expect healthy delphs to get to be 3.5-4
feet tall. One of the tricks is to make sure to put a handful of lime
in the soil. It's best to keep stakes 6 to 8 inches away from the
crown and circle each plant with 3 or 4 stakes, then wrap twine from
stake to stake, first at a height of one foot, then at a height of
three feet; this will keep the wind from snapping the stems.

Delphs are big feeders and your composted manure should be just the ticket. 
If leaves get palish yellow-green, give them a shot of blood meal or fish 
emulsion.

If you really love delphs, you should join the Delphinium Society (in 
England). If you need an address, e-mail me.

Hope this helps. Happy gardening!

Tom Bracken
(using Internet account of Kevin Johnson)