Apart from the non-seed F1 hybrids - 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.
When and how are delphiniums sown?
The delphiniums can be sown directly outdoors between May and September or can be grown in cultivation pots under glass from March. The seeds germinate at 5-12°C, require light and a moist substrate for successful germination.
Collect seeds and store them properly
If you do not cut back the spent panicles of the delphinium after the summer flowering period, but instead leave them on the plant, it will put its energy into the formation of seeds. The delphinium develops narrow follicles that contain several triangular, black seeds.
Collect the skins before they burst
In autumn you can collect the fruits as soon as they have turned brown. However, you shouldn't wait too long, otherwise the fruits will burst open 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 optimal) and dark until spring.
Adopt larkspur from March
From March, the delphinium can be grown under glass in the cold frame. The windowsill at home is rather unsuitable for this project because it is usually too warm for the plant. The delphinium is a cold germinator, i.e. H. The seeds first need a cold period before they begin to germinate. Self-collected seeds usually germinate at around 5 to 12 °C, only purchased varieties have a high germination rate even on the windowsill.
Sowing delphiniums
- Fill small growing pots with suitable growing soil.
- Cocohum (€7.00 at Amazon), a peat-sand mixture or commercially available herbal soil is ideal.
- Put the seeds in one at a time.
- Do not cover them with soil or only cover them very thinly - delphiniums are light germinators.
- Keep the substrate moist.
- Place the cultivation pots in a shady place that is around 15 to 18 °C warm.
Dark spur takes about four weeks to germinate.
Direct sowing between May and September
Sowing delphiniums directly is much less complicated: if you have collected seeds yourself and have previously stratified them, simply plant them in well-loosened, finely crumbly soil and protect the seeds with a net or similar.etc. from hungry birds. If possible, self-collected seeds need a cold period beforehand, 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.e. H. Please don't put them in the freezer either!
Tips & Tricks
If you want to do as little work as possible, just let nature take its course. Most delphiniums self-seed very reliably if you let them.
