How to grow delphiniums from seed?
Thoughtful2222
Hello,
I have tried for several seasons to grow delphiniums from seed but I can't seem
to get them to sprout. Do they need light or darkness? Warmth or cool/cold
temperatures? Pre-chilling? I've heard different things but I can't seem to
get mine to sprout no matter what I try. Suggestions would be appreciated....
Michael
Françoise
Veseys, a store for seeds writes in their "Planting Guide":
Delphinium cultorum
Start inside 8-10 weeks before planting out. Lightly cover seeds, provide darkness
and cool temperatures (50-55°F).
Françoise.
nan
Delphinium seed is one that seems to lose its viability rather quickly
after time. A reputable source for the seed is first. To germinate,
would stay away from using bottom heat. Room temperature is fine about
65 to 68 F. You can lightly cover or simply press the seed on top. If
the seed is fresh it will germinate using this method. Keep the
humidity up by covering with a plastic dome/or clear bag . The sowing
medium has to be moist. They take maybe a couple of weeks so be
patient too.
MLEBLANCA
thought...@aol.com (Thoughtful2222) writes:
Most books say delphs are "easy"-- I know, you didn't want to hear that!!
You might try covering them very lightly, about 1/8 inch, with very fine
sand. Some seeds just don't have enough oomph to push through a
heavy layer of soil. They also like to be kept moist, try putting your
seed tray in a plastic bag to maintain humidity.
Hope you get results.
Emilie
vincent p. norris
>>seem >>to get them to sprout. Do they need light or darkness? Warmth or cool/cold
>>temperatures? Pre-chilling?
Eileen Powell recommends planting in moist medium and then chilling
for two weeks in the fridge. (Covered with plastic so as not to dry
out.)
Then keep dark and cool--50-=55 degrees.
vince norris
delirium
@aol.com says...
I really hate to give yet one more conflicting opinion, but this has
actually worked for me:
1) no prechilling
2) darkness - no peeking until pretty close to expected germination time
3) bottom heat
A little aluminum foil and a spot above the fridge will work nicely for
this.
nan
They will sprout at a lower temperature - they will just take longer
to germinate.
There might be something about the air temperature and the actual soil
temperature. I have heard that for the soil temperature to be raised,
the air temperature has to be raised quite a bit more. Bottom heat is
fine for things that need 70 F. But for cool germinators the air
temperature may have to be quite warm for the soil temperature to be
raised. Direct intense light or sun could also raise the temperature
if kept covered as humidity would rise. This is just what I have read
over the past while, maybe not worded the best, but may be why
delphinium seed does germinate at just room temperature with just
regular room light or fluorescent overhead.
nan
canada
Vox Humana
"Thoughtful2222" <thought...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020211030029...@mb-ca.aol.com...
>
> Hello,
>
> I have tried for several seasons to grow delphiniums from seed but I can't
seem
> to get them to sprout.
Here is what the "Burpee Seed Starter" says:
Sow indoors 2 months before the last frost. Plants grown from seed sown
this early will bloom the first year. Can also be sown outdoors, in late
spring and early summer, directly where they are to grow. Plants grown from
seed sown directly will not bloom until the following year. Always use
fresh seed, as it will not remain viable for long. Seeds need darkness to
germinate; cover completely with medium
Germination Temperature: 65 -75F
Days to Germination: 12 - 21
Growing on Temperature 50 - 55F
Garden Planting: Plant in full sun in rich , well-drained, alkaline, deeply
worked soil. Keep well-watered and fertilized. Prefers cool climate, so
extra watering is particularly important during hot, dry spells. Cut back
after bloom; stake taller varieties. Space 2 feet apart.
Thoughtful2222
Well, thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'll synthesize and experiment with
a few of the suggestions. (You can see now the confusion!). And I will order
more (fresh) seeds. Michael
BT
How long have you waited before giving up on them? I started some Connecticut
Yankee Delphiniums last year and they seemed to take forever to germinate...but
when they did, got a great success rate. I did the pre-chill thing and then
cool and dark, but I think it took about month before I got any sprouts.
BT