Delphinium Seeds, Pacific Giant

*Seeds will germinate better if they have been cold-stratified before planting. Cold-stratification is the process of exposing seeds to cold and moist conditions to break dormancy and increase germination rates. Soak seeds for 1-2 hours in room temperature water. Moisten a paper towel (not soaking wet), and spread seeds out in a single layer on the paper towel. Wrap a dry paper towel around the damp paper towel to help keep things moist but not too wet (which could become mouldy). Place in a plastic bag and seal. Place the bag in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before planting. If seedlings start to sprout in the bag in the refrigerator, remove them immediately and plant them according to normal seed starting indoors methods.

• Well-draining soil is necessary as the plant does poorly in soggy soil and will cause stress to the plant and crown rot.
• Delphiniums have hollow stems and the plants may need to be staked once flower heads have developed to keep them from bending or breaking.
• Harvest flowers when 1/3 of the florets are open. Click here to learn more about harvesting flowers.
• After the first flush of flowers, when they start to wither and look untidy, you should cut the flowering spikes down to the ground, while leaving the foliage intact. Although it may seem harsh, this will encourage a second flush of flowers to bloom later in the season.
• Try to water plants at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Dampness on foliage invites disease.