Delphinium Flopping: Tall Spikes plus Wind
Delphinium flopping is common in tall hybrids. The flower spikes are tall plus heavy, so wind or rain can bend them to the ground.
The short answer
Iowa State University Extension notes delphinium spikes are hollow plus brittle. Stake tall hybrids early in the season. University of Maryland Extension advises stakes about 6 inches shorter than the mature plant. Start when plants are one third grown. Rich soil plus heavy feeding give weaker stems.
Why do delphiniums flop over?
Hollow spikes snap in wind or rain, Iowa State notes. Maryland notes plants in rich soil with high fertilizer plus moisture grow lush stems that bend more easily.
| Cause | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow spikes | Stems snap | Stake early |
| Wind | Spikes lean one way | Pick a sheltered spot |
| Rich soil | Lush soft stems | Feed less |
| Late staking | Roots damaged | Stake at one third size |
Source: Iowa State Extension plus University of Maryland Extension.
When should delphiniums be staked?
Maryland advises staking when plants are about one third their mature size. Iowa State notes early staking avoids root damage. Nebraska Extension also advises staking tall types.
How do you tie a delphinium to a stake?
Maryland advises a double loop. One loop goes around the stem plus the other around the stake. Never loop one tie around both. Use soft ties that won’t cut the stem.
How to: step by step
- Pick a spot out of constant wind.
- Set stakes 6 inches shorter than the plant.
- Place stakes when plants are one third grown.
- Tie each spike with a double loop.
- Add ties as the spike grows.
- Cut old spikes after flowering.
Troubleshooting
Spikes snap at the base: late staking. Stake earlier next spring.
Stems bend in rich beds: soft growth. Use less fertilizer.
Plant leans to one side: tie around both stem plus stake. Use a double loop.
For plant stress see environmental stresses on plants plus underwatering. Read mulch for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Why Some Flowering Plants Fall Over, University of Maryland Extension
- Growing Delphiniums, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Delphiniums A Beautiful Garden Flower, Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County
- Delphinium, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
FAQ
Do delphiniums need staking?
Iowa State Extension advises staking tall hybrids early in the season because the spikes are hollow plus brittle.
How tall should a delphinium stake be?
University of Maryland Extension advises about 6 inches shorter than the mature plant.
Will delphiniums flower again?
Iowa State notes cutting old spikes after flowering can bring a second bloom.
Does fertilizer make delphiniums flop?
Maryland notes rich soil with high fertilizer plus moisture gives lush growth with weaker stems.
Where do delphiniums grow most easily?
NC State Extension notes they prefer cool summers plus shelter from wind.
