The
Delphinium formosum was ne of the most generally
useful and accommodating of all flowers in the Victorian
garden. There were many varieties about, the best being
the branching, the hyacinth-flowered and the rocket,
all of which came in many colours save yellow.
Perennial
larkspurs could be raised from seed or division, and
were very hardy in almost all positions. They needed
to be lifted and divided every three years in spring.
Seed
should be sown in summer or autumn in shallow pans in
a good sandy loam without any manure. The seed pans
then needed to go in a frame,
and covered with some material in order to prevent evaporation.
As soon as plants appear the shade cloth must be removed
and the frame ventilated. By autumn, if sufficiently
grown, they could be transplanted to their permanent
location.
