The name Delphinium, meaning “fun and lighthearted,” captures well the loo and feel of this flower. Approximately 300 species of perennial flowering plants belong to the Delphinium or Larkspur family. Native throughout the northern hemisphere, and also the high mountains of Africa, their graceful stalks swaying in the breeze create a breathtaking landscape. It’s no wonder these flowers were quickly adopted and bred for commercial growth.

Used in design primarily for height, these stems also add color and texture not to be found in any other flower. Snowy white, to indigo to periwinkle blue, the range of colors available is a designer’s dream come true. Did you know that blue flowers are typically rare? Delphinium is one of the rare cut flowers that comes in a range of blue colors.

As a matter of fact, when scientist bred “blue” roses, they introduced the blue pigment generating gene of Delphinium to Roses. Delphinium is at its peak or best of season typically late spring through summer. All members of the genus family may be poisonous if ingested b y humans and animals alike.

Delphinium or Larkspur is extremely ethylene sensitive. Ethylene exposure leads to shattering or excessive dropping if the florets. These flowers benefit tremendously from an anti-ethylene product treatment such as EthylBloc^TM

For best care and handling tip we recommend the following steps:

1. Start with a clean bucket and tools, sanitized with D.C.D. ® cleaner.
2. Fill buckets with cool water mixed with the flower food solution according to manufacturer’s recommendation. Do not put flowers directly into metal/galvanized buckets. Use clean, good quality water that has not been treated with a water softener as the salt levels can be damaging to flower.
3. Do not store or display near ripening produce or products that produce ethylene. Make sure to check that your supplier has treated the product with an ethylene action inhibitor, such as Ethylbloc^TM or EthylGuard^TM.
4. Rinse stems of any dirt or debris; remove any foliage that falls below the solution level.
5. Cut or don’t cut stems if using Floralife® Express Technology and be sure to Quick Dip. If not then re-cut stems approximately 1” using clean, sanitized clippers or knife.
6. Place flowers in prepared container.
7. Allow minimum of 2 hours to hydrate placing buckets in an area with good airflow. 2-4 hours if flowers are limp or exhibiting bent neck.
8. Always remember FIFO when rotating Delphinium or any other flowers.

To learn more about best practices from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com