Delphiniums - should I let them flower in first year?

[mykonian]

I bought three little delphinium plants at a garden centre four weeks ago. I potted them on when I got them home and they're now in an unheated greenhouse and growing like the clappers (one already has a flower spike forming). I am planning on planting them out in May when I redesign my front garden.

Now the dilemma is, do I let them flower in the first year or do I remove the flower spike so that they put the energy into becoming bigger plants next year? Seem to remember seeing on Gardener's World a few years back that you shouldn't let them flower in the first year but I don't know if I can bring myself to do it?

What do you reckon?

[nick the grief]

tough call that one, I figure you should cut the flower off but hey, who can resist them Providing they you prepare the ground well for them (plenty of well rotted muck) once they are big enough to put out they'll romp away. They make really nice cut flowers as well and next year you can take some cuttings and fill your borders with the little (or should that be big) blighters.

Have a look on the delphinium society's website - I'm sure they do a booklet that will be of use to you and if you really get into them and you save up your pennies have a look at Blackmore and Langdons site - they have some bostin' ones but they're not cheap.

[mykonian]

Thanks Nick. Well, I did it... Will forego the flowers this year in the hope of bigger and better plants next year. Just hope the slugs don't get them when they re-emerge...!!