Delphinium Elatum F1 Candle ‘Light Blue Shades’ produces tall, strong spikes covered in large, double sky-blue flowers with crisp white central bees. Its clear colouring, uniform flowering and excellent stem quality make it particularly valuable for the cutting garden.
 
This vigorous F1 hybrid was bred to perform under shorter days and can be autumn-sown for earlier flowers or sown in spring for summer flowering. 
 
Specially bred to flower under shorter days, requiring a minimum day length of approximately 10 hours. (Traditional delphiniums generally flower once day length exceeds 13–14 hours)
 
Cut back promptly after harvesting to encourage further flushes later in the season.
 
When to Sow: August–October or January–March, under cover
 
How to Sow Delphinium Candle Shades: 
 
Sow under cover: Sow the seeds into modules or plug trays filled with moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover very lightly with compost or vermiculite as seeds benefit from light to germinate. 
 
Keep at approximately 18–20°C. Germination usually takes 10–20 days. Keep the compost consistently moist during germination, but do not leave it saturated or waterlogged.
 
Once the seedlings emerge, move them into bright, cooler conditions at approximately 15–18°C, with good ventilation. Avoid temperatures above 25°C, which can reduce the quality of the resulting flower stems.
 
Transplant the seedlings into individual pots or larger modules once they have developed three to five true leaves. Delphiniums produce a taproot, so do not leave them sitting in small modules for too long.
 
Gradually acclimatise spring-sown plants before planting outside. Autumn-sown seedlings can be overwintered in an unheated greenhouse, cold frame or protected tunnel before planting into their final position.
 
The Candle series is specifically bred to flower under shorter days and can flower with a minimum day length of approximately ten hours. Autumn sowing therefore allows earlier flowering than with many traditional delphinium varieties.
 
Classification: Short-lived hardy perennial
Expert level: Some Experience Required
Germination time: 2-3 Weeks 
Days to maturity: 105–125 days
 
Flowering time: May–August
Site: Full sun or partial shade;
Soil type: Fertile, humus-rich loam
Soil acidity: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Moisture: Moist but well-drained
 
Care: Maintain even moisture and do not allow plants to wilt. Feed regularly during active growth and provide horizontal netting or another strong support before the stems begin to lengthen. Cut plants back promptly after the first flush to encourage further flowering.
Use: Cut flowers, perennial borders and pollinator-friendly planting
Harvest: Cut when approximately one-quarter to one-third of the flowers on the spike are open. Place the stems into water immediately
 
Vase life: 5–7 days; use flower food to reduce premature flower drop
Height: 100–150cm
Plant spacing: 20cm for cut-flower production; 30–45cm in perennial borders