How to Grow Delphinium From Seeds

The delphinium is a perennial plant that is a member of the buttercup family. It is also commonly called larkspur or the lark's claw. Delphinium can be a challenge to grow from seed. Conditions must be perfect for the seeds to germinate. The plants are cold hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. Planting time is from late July to early August. The seeds will thrive in soils that are still warm. The seeds require full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils.

Things You'll Need

Seed tray

Potting mix

Instructions

- 1
  Refrigerate your delphinium seeds for at least a week before you plant them.
- 2
  Fill a seed tray approximately three-fourths of the way with a light, general purpose potting mix. The seed trays should have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent the seeds from becoming saturated with water, which can cause rot.
- 3
  Press the seeds into the soil with your fingers and cover lightly.
- 4
  Water just enough to keep the soil moist but not saturated. Allow the soil to dry out slightly before you add more water.
- 5
  Plant the seedlings outside when they have reached a height of 3 to 4 inches. Prepare the flower bed by mixing 2 to 3 inches of compost with the native soil.
- 6
  Dig a hole approximately the same depth and twice as wide as the seed tray in which the seedling is growing. Place the seedling in the hole and cover firm the soil and compost mix around it.
- 7
  Tie the plants to stakes when they reach a height of around 12 inches.
- 8
  Apply a 1-inch layer of wood ash to the flowers in the spring before they start blooming.
- 9
  Water the plants with an inch of water a week during the growing season.

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