Growing delphinium from seed

Delphinium seeds are particularly susceptible to “damping off” fungus. It is always best to use a biological fungicide like “Rootshield” when starting large numbers of seeds.

Start seeds in a sterile seed-starting mix. Moisten the mix and sprinkle seeds on the surface. Lightly cover with additional mix. Cover the tray (or container) with plastic wrap and place in a refrigerator for 7-10 days (this step is not absolutely necessary, but improves germination rate)

After a week or so, remove the tray from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap covering. Place in a warm, well-lit area. Lightly water once a day making sure to keep the soil moist, NOT wet. I use a sprayer for watering. Ideal germination temperature is 72F.

If you are starting a small quantity of delphinium seeds you can use the following method:

Place you seed package in the refrigerator for 7 days (this “pre-chilling” helps germination). After a week, moisten a coffee filter and spread the desired number of seeds on the filter. Fold the moistened filter in half and place it in a ziplock bag.

After about a week you should start seeing root development. When the roots emerge, it is time to transplant them into pots. Use a sterile seed-starting mix (moistened) and lightly cover the seeds. They are now ready to be placed outside.

I transplant from pots into the garden when the plants reach 4-6” tall.