Delphinium 'Clear Springs Midblue'
Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1998
Good Qualities:
Nice color (3); Strong stems - did not need staking (2); Nice form; Uniform; Performed well despite late start and very high temperatures; Excellent germination in quantity of seedlings for delphiniums; Stems straight; Good quality and quantity for first year; Hardy plant; Wind tolerant.
Problems:
Didn't germinate well (3); Needed support netting-a lot of them blew over; 58% germination.
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating (1) | Repeat Again Rating (1) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 1.4 | 25.8 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.3 |
(1) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
PanAmerican Seed
P.O. Box 438
West Chicago, IL 60186
Comments:
I will certainly try this again just from our experience with other Clear Springs cultivars- Our lavender trial from last year over wintered and has blossomed all summer. It has nice tall cuts up to 24@ and sets one set of blooms after another even in our heat and drought. Probably made 10 to 12 cuts per plant; We planted in crates in an open sided, covered hoop house; We never thought we could grow Delphinium in our hot summers, but this proved us wrong. We had a very hot early start to summer and it hung in there. We will try to get it in earlier next year. - I don't know if the positive market appreciation was because we were able to grow them at all, or the shear beauty of a long full stem; Next year expect longer and more stems than this year since these are hardy perennials; Should be a great one, we will watch as it matures next season; Similar to 'Magic Fountain'; My customers prefer the 'Pacific Giants', as they are taller and not as compact. I found these hard to work into bouquets, as they were short and fat.