Delphinium Magic Fountains Mix Flower Plugs

A compact, dwarf delphinium series known for its strong stems and rich, saturated hues — including shades of blue, lavender, lilac, pink, and white, often with contrasting bee centers. Unlike tall delphiniums, Magic Fountains are less prone to flopping and more manageable for small-scale growers and bouquet designers.

Perfect for cool-season production in tunnels or open fields with protection from extreme heat and wind.

🌱 Growing Conditions

✅ Plant Size:

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Width: 30–40 cm

• Bushy, upright form with multiple sturdy flower spikes.

✅ Climate:

• Cool-season perennial (grown as an annual or biennial in warm areas).

• Performs best in cool to mild weather (autumn–spring).

• Heat-sensitive — fades quickly in midsummer.

• Ideal for early spring blooms.

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with added compost.

• pH: 6.5–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline preferred).

• Mulch and compost improve moisture retention and root health.

✅ Sunlight Needs:

• Full sun is ideal.

🌸 Planting Instructions

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Plugs: Autumn to early spring (March–August).

• Flowering: Spring to early summer (Sept–Nov).

✅ Plugs or Seedlings:

• Harden off plugs before transplanting.

• Plant deeply — bury crown just below soil to encourage strong anchoring.

• Spacing: 25–35 cm apart for airflow and strong vertical spikes.

💧 Watering & Fertilization

✅ Watering:

• Keep soil evenly moist during root establishment.

• Once growing, water deeply but allow the surface to dry between irrigations.

• Avoid soggy roots — delphiniums hate wet feet.

✅ Fertilization:

• Pre-plant: Add compost + organic 3:1:5 slow-release fertiliser.

• Growing season: Feed monthly with a low nitrogen, high potassium feed to promote strong stems and vibrant blooms.

• Seaweed or kelp foliar feed supports resilience.

✅ Mulching:

• Mulch helps retain soil moisture and cool root zone.

• Keep mulch clear of base to prevent rot.

🐛 Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

• Aphids (especially on young spikes) — treat early with neem or insecticidal soap.

• Snails/slugs — can damage tender shoots in cool moist weather.

✅ Diseases:

• Powdery mildew & botrytis in humid tunnels or overcrowded beds.

• Ensure good airflow and never overhead water late in day.

🌼 Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time:

• Blooms 14–18 weeks from transplant, depending on season.

• Typically flowers Sept–Nov if planted in early winter.

✅ Deadheading & Pruning:

• Remove spent spikes to encourage side shoots and repeat bloom.

• Cut back entire plant lightly after flowering for a second flush.

✅ Support:

• Magic Fountains are more compact, but staking may still be needed in windy sites.

• Use soft string grid or horizontal netting for mass plantings.

✅ Fragrance:

• Light to no fragrance — primarily grown for visual drama and vertical impact.

🌿 Garden Uses & Companion Planting

✅ Companion Plants:

• Combines beautifully with bupleurum, snapdragons, scabiosa, nigella, larkspur, stock, and dianthus.

• Offers a dramatic vertical accent in bouquets or garden borders.

✅ Best Uses:

• Cut flower spikes for bouquets and arrangements.

• Cottage gardens, formal beds, and mass planting.

• Bee-friendly and pollinator-attracting.

💥 Why Grow Delphinium Magic Fountains?

✔️ Dwarf, Strong-Stemmed — ideal for bouquets and tunnel growing
✔️ Cool-Season Performer — flowers early before heat sets in
✔️ Rich, Regal Colours — blues and pastels for spring designs
✔️ Compact Form — easy to manage, less prone to collapse
✔️ Reliable Rebloomer — deadhead for bonus flush