How to Grow Veitch's Blue
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Veitch's Blue
Delphinium elatum 'Veitch's Blue'
flowerVeitch's Blue is a stunning cultivar of tall bearded delphinium known for its vibrant blue flowers arranged in dense, tower-like spikes that can reach 4-6 feet in height. These dramatic perennial flowers produce long-lasting blooms in mid-to-late summer and are prized by gardeners for cutting and creating vertical interest in borders. The plant is a classic cottage garden staple that attracts pollinators and hummingbirds.
When should you plant Veitch's Blue in your zone?
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Example Veitch's Blue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Veitch's Blue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Veitch's Blue blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Veitch's Blue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; prefers cool climates and struggles in hot, humid southern regions
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Get my Veitch's Blue timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with two cotyledon leaves; develop true leaves that are deeply lobed and fern-like
Provide bright light and consistent moisture; thin seedlings to prevent damping off; maintain cool temperatures (60-70°F)
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksYoung plant develops a rosette of deeply cut, palmate foliage; stems begin to elongate and thicken; plant becomes bushy and full
Install stakes early; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer; keep soil consistently moist; thin crowded stems to improve air circulation
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksA central flower spike (inflorescence) emerges from the crown, with smaller secondary spikes forming on sides; densely packed flower buds visible along the spike
Provide sturdy staking as flower spike gains weight; apply low-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage blooming over foliage; water deeply and mulch around base
Flowering
3-4 weeks per flush; may rebloom if deadheadedVibrant blue flowers open in sequence from bottom to top along the spike, creating a striking columnar display; flowers may have white or black inner markings (bee)
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage secondary blooms; stake carefully to support heavy flower spikes; water regularly; cut flowers last 5-7 days in a vase
Seed Development & Dormancy
4-8 weeks into dormancyIf flowers aren't deadheaded, seed pods form and dry; foliage may yellow; plant energy shifts to seed production and root strengthening for winter
Cut back to 1-2 inches above ground after frost; leave seed heads if you want self-seeding; divide crowns every 3-4 years; apply winter mulch in zone 2-4
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infested buds; maintain good air circulation; apply insecticidal soap in early spring before adult emergence; neem oil as preventative
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Handpick; apply diatomaceous earth around base; use copper barriers; encourage ground beetles; beer traps
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply sulfur fungicide or baking soda spray; remove affected leaves; plant resistant cultivars
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Remove infected foliage promptly; water at soil level only; improve drainage; apply copper fungicide if severe; thin crowded plants
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Remove and destroy heavily infested plants; spray with horticultural oil; maintain 50-60°F temperatures; improve humidity control
Uses
Floral Garnish & Edible Flowers
CulinaryDelphinium flowers have been used historically as edible decorations for cakes, salads, and special occasion dishes. While primarily ornamental, the flowers are non-toxic and add striking blue color to gourmet presentations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdVeitch's Blue is prized by florists and gardeners for its long-lasting cut flowers and dramatic height, making it ideal for bouquets, wedding arrangements, and tall vases. The strong, upright flower spikes add vertical interest and create stunning focal points in arrangements. [source]
Pressed Flowers & Flower Drying
CraftThe individual florets can be pressed between sheets of paper for botanical crafts, scrapbooking, and herbarium projects. The flowers dry beautifully and retain their color, making them suitable for dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator & Hummingbird Attraction
WildlifeDelphinium flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, bumblebees, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. Planting Veitch's Blue supports pollinator populations and provides essential food sources during mid-to-late summer. [source]
Traditional Herbal Medicine
MedicinalHistorically, delphinium preparations were used in traditional medicine for various ailments, though modern use is limited due to alkaloid content requiring careful handling. The plant contains compounds studied for their biological activity in historical herbalism. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flower spikes in early morning when lower flowers are fully open and upper buds are still tight; cut at least 12 inches of stem; place immediately in cool water with floral preservative. Recut stems at 45-degree angle and remove lower foliage. For seeds, allow flowers to fade naturally, let seed pods dry on plant, then collect when brown and papery (late summer/early fall). Store seeds in cool, dry conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Veitch's Blue was developed by the renowned Veitch Nursery in Victorian England (late 1800s), one of the world's most prestigious plant breeding establishments, which is why it carries the 'Veitch's' designation.
- 🌱 The vibrant blue pigmentation in delphinium flowers comes from delphinidin, a type of anthocyanin compound that also gives color to blueberries and can shift hues depending on soil pH.
- 🌱 In the Victorian era, delphiniums were symbolically associated with cheerfulness and protection, and they remain a classic cottage garden flower that has been cultivated for ornamental purposes for over 500 years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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