Dactylorhiza (Orchidaceae)
!!!! Please note - Delivery only in early spring and autumn !!!!
Possible culture of Dactylorhiza
Compost for pot culture
Tolerant of many forms of growing medium. Best if 'opened up' by the addition of grit or perlite etc. at the rate of 40% to 50%. I would recommend a mix of
loam based compost : Peat based compost : Grit at approx. 1 : 1 : 2 or 1 : 1 : 1
Potting up
Flowering sized plants will produce a large root system. Use a large pot 12 to 15 inches deep for a large tuber.
Plant with the shoot / apical bud just below the surface and then cover the top with an inch or so of grit.
Culture
Keep moist throughout the year. Despite being 'marsh' orchids they will not appreciate sodden boggy conditions in culture.
There is no necessity for frost protection.
Roots develop throughout the winter. Leaves develop from March / April and then flowers in June. During the period of top growth, the plants can be fed with weak liquid feeds (approx. one quarter strength every few weeks).
Open soil culture
In the open ground choose a site that will not dry out completely in the summer. An open loamy soil is preferred. If your soil is heavy then add peat / peat substitute and / or grit. Alternatively, create a raised bed of compost as above in part shade and keep moist.