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 
Ju'y 15th-August Ist to give the seedlings a ‘etter 1O6-HOlG! arent 
winter. The spring planting will bloom in the fall of the same 
ries 
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 tor 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 eithe1 
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, transplant in permanent position about two feet apart. 
ABOUT FERTILIZER ... We use '’Compost” to all our plants. When 
planting out our young stock, we prepare the hole by adding this 
compost, mix it with the soil, and set in the plant. If you are not 
familiar with the making of compost, drop a line to Organic Gar- 
dening, Emmaus, Penna., who will send you literature. Barnyard 
manures as cow, sheep or horse should be dug a foot deep into 
the soil; however, always mix lime with manures. If chicken 
manure is used, spread on top of soil and let the rain do the rest. 
ABOUT THE SOIL... The looser the soil, the larger the flowers. 
Delphinium roots are 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. If your soil contains clay, add 
plenty of leaf mold and sand or compost. In a few years you will 
find a difference in the soil. Give your plants loose soil; give plenty 
of water and sunshine and the joys of beautiful delphiniums 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. 
MEMBERSHIP $3.00 PER YEAR 
Write to: 
JACK OFFERMAN 
Northwestern Vice-President American Delphinium Society 
4709 W. Stevens, Seattle 6, Washington 
Stitzer, Wis., July 28, 1953 
Offerman Delphinium Gardens 
I have never seen Delphiniums so beautiful as mine, and they are 
from seed I purchased from you. 
I am encl. another order for seed. Yours truly, 
Mrs. Bollunt. 
