Apart from the F1 hybrids that are not seed-solid - whose offspring always have completely different characteristics than the mother plants - almost all Delphinium varieties can be propagated very well from seeds. But vegetative propagation via division also works very well with delphiniums.

Larkspur is sown under glass in early spring and brought forward

Collect and store seeds properly

If you do not cut back the withered delphinium panicles after the summer flowering period, but instead leave them on the plant, the plant will invest its energy in the formation of seeds. Larkspur develops narrow follicles containing several triangular, black seeds.

Collect follicles before they burst

In autumn you can collect the fruits as soon as they have turned brown. However, you should not wait too long with this, otherwise the fruits will burst and the plant will sow itself. The seeds are cleaned and then immediately placed in a dry, airtight container. Keep them cool (0 to 5 °C is ideal) and dark until spring.

Prefer delphiniums from March

Larkspur can be grown under glass in the cold frame from March. The windowsill at home is rather unsuitable for this project because it is usually too warm for the plant there. The delphinium is a cold germ, i. H. the seeds first need a cold period before they start to germinate. Self-collected seeds usually germinate at approx. 5 to 12 °C, only purchased varieties have a high germination rate on the windowsill.

Sow delphinium

  • Fill small growing pots (€16.68) with suitable growing soil.
  • Coconut, a peat-sand mixture or commercially available herbal soil is ideal.
  • Put the seeds in one at a time.
  • Don't cover them with soil or cover them very thinly - Larkspur is a light germinator.
  • Keep the substrate moist.
  • Place the growing pots in a light-shaded place with a temperature of around 15 to 18 °C.

Larkspur takes about four weeks to germinate.

Direct sowing between May and September

Sowing delphiniums directly is much less complicated: If you have collected and stratified seeds yourself, simply place them in well-loosened, finely crumbly soil and protect the seeds from hungry birds with a net or similar. Self-collected seeds need a cold period beforehand if possible, then they germinate better. This can be done outside from March or in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. Under no circumstances should the seeds be exposed to frost, i. H. Please don't put them in the freezer either!

tips and tricks

If you want to do as little work as possible, just let nature take its course. Most delphiniums will self-seed very reliably if you let them.

Category:

Vegetable garden