{"product_id":"delphinium-sunny-skies-f1","title":"Delphinium Sunny Skies F1","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere's a simple, classic beauty to Delphinium Sunny Skies that's easy to overlook amid flashier varieties, but it's exactly that simplicity which makes it so appealing. The blooms are a beautiful Wedgwood blue, each with a white bee at the centre, in the kind of understated colour that suits almost any planting scheme.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSunny Skies is bred and grown in New Zealand, so it's well adapted to local conditions from the start, while still delivering the elegance and quality expected of delphiniums grown for the global cut flower trade. It's fast-growing, and among the earlier delphiniums to flower, so the wait for that first spectacular spike is shorter than you might expect.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a hardy perennial, it will return year after year, building into an increasingly impressive stand of soft blue spires. It's a lovely choice if you want the classic delphinium look without a bold or unusual colour taking over the border.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the garden, Delphinium cultorum thrives in sunny, sheltered positions, reaching heights of 100–180 cm, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The towering flower spikes make a dramatic impact at the back of borders, especially when planted en masse or combined with other classic perennials like peonies or foxgloves. As a cut flower, delphiniums are prized for their tall stems, vibrant colours, and excellent vase life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowing Delphinium Sunny Skies\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStratify seed before sowing to improve germination. Sow from August through to October, or again from February through to April, at 18-24°C, with seedlings appearing in 14-21 days. Plants take 120-150 days from transplant to flower and reach 100-120cm, so choose a sheltered spot and stake tall spikes as needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing from seed requires patience and attention. Ideally sow seeds from August to October or in late summer (February–March) for overwintering in frost-free areas. For best germination, chill seeds in the fridge for 1–2 weeks before sowing. Sow seeds just below the surface in moist, well-draining seed-raising mix and maintain a temperature of 18–20°C. Germination typically takes 14–28 days. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplant seedlings once they have several true leaves, spacing them 45–60 cm apart. Delphiniums prefer rich, well-drained soil, regular watering and staking to support tall growth. Remove faded spikes to encourage secondary blooms. With proper care, Delphinium cultorum rewards gardeners with a spectacular summer display year after year. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStratify: Chilling seeds in the fridge for 2-3 weeks prior to sowing will promote germination by breaking seed dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kings Seeds NZ","offers":[{"title":"10 seeds","offer_id":49214776541492,"sku":"F1470.pkt","price":6.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/0555\/6276\/files\/F1470-W.png?v=1785115857","url":"https:\/\/www.kingsseeds.co.nz\/products\/delphinium-sunny-skies-f1","provider":"Kings Seeds NZ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}