perenials etc?

I have raised some from seed in pots. When is it best to plant them out? Delphinium, Foxgloves and holly hocks ?? thanks

 

I'd wait till the spring if i were you, they might be a bit tender at the moment if they've been under cover.

 

Thanks for your reply. They have not been under cover, just sitting on my balcony in little pots. Should I repot them and is it necessary to feed them? Also, will they flower next year?

 

Hi sandi

I wouldn't feed them. If you feed them at this time of the year they would be encouraged to make new tender growth, which would be vulnerable to the winter cold. Also perennials will soon go into winter hibernation. They protect themselves from the bad weather by giving up their foliage and retreating into their roots, where the cold doesn't penetrate much. They are now storeing energy in the roots and are not much interested in growing foliage. You don't need to repot them as they will be going to sleep soon.

Next year will be their second year so they should flower OK. Be aware that Foxgloves are biennial or short lived perennials. A biennial will often die after it has flowered, but you can extend its life and make it more perennial by preventing it from going to seed.

 

Hi all!
It's also worth to note that if you do allow such as foxglove to go to seed you end up with an awful lot of 'new' plants too!
Helen.xxx.