Larkspur Nursery

Delphinium Seed Sowing Information

Here are our tips for best results based on our experience:

Store the dry and cleaned seed in an airtight container in the fridge until sowing.
January – May is the best time for sowing, the early you sow the better chance of planting out in summer.
Use a clean tray or pot with a good quality peat based seed compost which is at a temperature of 10°C
Lightly firm the compost.
Scatter the seed lightly on the surface.
Cover the seed with a thin layer of vermiculite.
Water in lightly.
Keep in a place with a temperature of 15-18°C (60-70°F), a propagator with bottom heat is ideal.
Alternatively cover the pot with a plastic bag and turn the bag inside out every 3 days to prevent excessive condensation. Place on the windowsill out of direct sunlight.
Keep on the dry side and seed should germinate after 15-21 days.
Remove from the propagator or plastic bag once germination has occurred.
When seeds are big enough to handle transplant into a small cell tray with a peat based compost.
Water carefully.
Once big enough pot into a 9cm pot with a peat based compost.
Liquid feed as required.
Harden off and plant out from May until July.

Late Sowings If you have sown your seed late then grow your plant on in pots until it goes into winter dormancy. Keep dry and frost free in a garage, greenhouse or a porch over winter. Once green shoots appear water your plant and keep in a well lit, frost free area ready for planting out in May.

Protect from slugs and snails at all times!