OFFERMAN ADVICE . . . 
' Each year I receive many letters asking for advice on Delphinium 
culture. With the hope that a few of my notes may be of help, | 
will answer some of the most-asked questions. 
ABOUT THE SEEDS ... There are two seasons to start Delphiniums 
from seed, Spring and August. In parts of the country that 
have cold winters, the summer sowing should be done between 
July 15th-August lst to give the seedlings a better ‘’toe-hold” for 
winter. The spring planting will bloom in the fall of the same 
year. 
For the soil in flats; contrary to belief, leaf mold is not -essen- 
tial, but sand is VERY IMPORTANT. Lighten the garden soil with 
sand, thoroughly mixed together. The top layer of the soil should 
be finely sifted, ready for the seed. To be sure the seed is not 
buried too deeply, I strongly advise broadcasting the seed and 
then sifting fine soil over the surface ONLY THE THICKNESS OF 
A DIME. Press the planted soil down gently ... not too hard. Water 
with fine spray and cover seedbed with moist burlap or wet paper. 
Remove the covering as soon as the seeds come up. Remember 
too, a shaded seed flat is easier to keep moist and much better 
for the tiny sprouted seeds than too frequent watering. Good, 
fresh seed should germinate in 10 days to 2 weeks. 
ABOUT TRANSPLANTING ... When the seedlings are about 1 
to 2 inches high, they will have three true leaves and are ready 
to be moved. Depending upon the sowing time, they will either 
go into a coldframe or lathed seed bed in temperate climate for the 
winter. As soon as the frosts are over and the soil is warming 
up, iransplant in permanent position about two feet apart. 
ABOUT “BARNYARD” MANURES ... This is, of course, the best 
kind of fertilizer. As for the different types (sheep, cow, goat, rabbit, 
horse) it makes no difference. However, ALWAYS MIX LIME 
WITH MANURES. When planting out my young stock, I prepare 
the hole by digging in lime and manure (not being too particular 
about its ‘well-rotted” quality). Cover with a little soil and set in 
the plant. I have never had any trouble with over-feeding or ‘’burn- 
ing’ with this method. 
ABOUT THE SOIL... The looser the soil, the better the bloom. 
Delphinium roots are very thin and go straight down. This is 
why the soil under the roots must be loose; and the deeper it is 
prepared, the better the plant can function. Give your plants loose 
soil; give plenty of water and sunshine and the joys of beautiful 
flowers will be yours. 
For added pleasure of your favorite flower 
join the 
_ AMERICAN DELPHINIUM SOCIETY 
Beautiful yearbook containing history of the newest developments 
in the Delphinium world. Published annually. Membership $2.50 
per year. Write to: « 
JACK OFFERMAN 
Northwestern Vice-President of the 
American Delphinium Society 
4709 W. Stevens, Seattle 6, Wash. 
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