We sow delphinium seeds. Annuals and perennials

Which of us at least once in our lives has not looked at the magnificent bunches of delphinium flowers? Many gardeners dream decorate your garden with this plant.

However, growing a delphinium from seeds not so easy: poor germination, difficulties in caring for seedlings and problems in creating suitable conditions on the site create certain difficulties.

Don't despair! You just need to understand the intricacies of growing a delphinium - and everything will certainly work out!

Seed selection

In order for the seeds of an annual or perennial delphinium to sprout, they must be fairly fresh and properly preserved.

Interesting that at a temperature of about -15 ° C and complete tightness, delphinium seeds may not lose their germination for 15 years.

In the case of distribution of seeds in paper bags, their germination is preserved. only for 11 months. Seeds in foil packaging retain their freshness a little longer.

Most seed suppliers consider seeds viable for 3 years. Therefore, by the expiration date indicated on the package, you can calculate when the seeds were collected.

Perfect option- it's handmade harvested seeds delphinium, placed in a closed glass container.

The best storage for them - a balcony or a refrigerator. Another good option is to buy seeds from professional breeders.

Seed collection

To collect the seeds correctly delphinium, you must adhere to the following rules:

• Collection is carried out in dry weather.
• The fruits should be browned, but not yet cracked. It is important to catch the moment while the ripe fruits have not yet opened.
• If rains are expected, you can collect the fruits that have just begun to turn brown and place them in a dry and well-ventilated attic for ripening.
• Seeds must dry properly.

Stratification

The best time for sowing delphinium- the end of March or the beginning of April, in extreme cases - the beginning of May.

For best result in advance (a week or two earlier) you need to stratify the seeds.

To do this, you need to perform the following manipulations:

1. Prepare long pieces clean white cotton fabric measuring 10 by 40 cm.
2. pour out the seeds along the center of each patch.
3. Bend the longitudinal edges of the flap to the center, covering the seeds with them.
4. Starting from the short edge twist the shreds in rolls. With this method, the rash of seeds is impossible, moreover, they are evenly distributed over the tissue.
5. Label each roll tag with the name of the variety.
6. Place all rolls into a container with a small amount of water at the bottom. The rolls should be only partially wetted with water so that the water does not displace the air from them.
7. If possible you can not pour water into a container, but overlay rolls in it with wet sphagnum moss. This is the best way, since sphagnum perfectly retains moisture.
8. Place the container in a cool place with a temperature of about 5 (this can be a refrigerator, basement, terrace, etc.).
9. withstand the seeds in this mode, when there is enough air, moisture and coolness around them for about a week. It is important to keep the rolls moist.
10. When the week has passed unroll the rolls and make sure the seeds are swollen and ready to germinate.

It is important not to root germination. If white dots are already visible on the seeds, that is, roots have begun to appear, it is urgent to plant them in the ground.

If a no suitable conditions to do this, you can put the seeds in a colder place and thereby slow down the growth of the roots.

Stratification procedure significantly increases the germination of the delphinium.

In addition, this process simulates natural processing seeds, thereby improving their properties and vitality.

Container preparation

In choosing a container for growing seedlings need to start from the number of seeds. If there are many the best option there will be boxes, and if not enough - bowls, pots or trays.

The containers must have holes in the bottom so that water does not stagnate in them. It should be borne in mind that in addition to the drainage layer 2 or 3 cm high, a 10 cm layer of earth should be placed in the container.

This is very important for the healthy growth of the delphinium. All containers must be very clean. And when reused - sterilized.

Land preparation

Suitable soil for growing seedlings can be purchased at flower shop. The best soil mix can be made independently from the following components taken in equal parts:

• black soil or peat;
• humus;
• coarse sand.

Sowing seeds

Growing process delphinium from pre-prepared seeds is as follows:

1. To get started you need fill the containers with a small layer of expanded clay, pebbles, foam or other drainage.
2. Next, the containers are filled with earth, which must be lightly tamped and spilled with water or weak potassium permanganate solution.
3. To make the black delphinium seeds easier to distribute, should be poured a thin layer of sand on top of the soil.
4. Next, you need to scatter the seeds as evenly as possible over the surface. You can plant them in rows. Optimum seeding density- two seeds per 1 square cm. With such a fairly dense sowing, the germination of seeds is the highest.
5. Then you need to powder the seeds layer of earth 2 or 3 mm high, using a fine sieve.
6. Need slightly moisten crops with a watering can with a sieve.
7. Further must be covered containers with newspapers or burlap, and on top - also with agril or polyethylene.
8. Then need to place containers in a cool place at a temperature of 12 to 15 °C (never higher than 20 °C).
9. If after a few days the soil is dry, can moisturize it right through a layer of newspaper.
10. delphinium seeds must ascend on the 8th or 10th day after sowing. You can expect seedlings up to 3 weeks, then it becomes clear that you have caught an undesirable planting material.
11. After the appearance of the first shoots need to be removed container coating.
12. Water the seedlings it is necessary from the pallet, since watering with a jet of water leads to lodging of sprouts, and then to their death.
13. Extremely important water the seedlings very moderately, otherwise the “black leg” disease cannot be avoided.
14. At this stage you can feed plants "Mortar".
15. After the appearance in seedlings of one or two true leaves, you can dive them into a separate bowl. For this, small containers with a diameter of about 9 cm should be used, filled with good soil, or peat pots. The presence of drainage and holes in the bottom is required.
16. When the time comes and seedlings will grow, you need to plant seedlings in open ground. It is very good if the roots are completely covered with an earthen ball in a pot - this will prevent damage to the root system during transplantation. It is best to plant the delphinium in a place where the sun is before lunchtime, and stagnant water does not happen.
17. plant seedlings follows in pits 40 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep at a distance of 70 cm from each other. It does not hurt to pour half a bucket of compost or humus into each hole, a glass of ash and 2 tablespoons of complex mineral fertilizer - all this must be mixed well. Next, you should free up space in the center, place in it young plant, compact the soil around it and water it. After transplanting, you need to water the plants and shade them from the sun for a while.
18. In late August or early September, young delphiniums will bloom.

Also can do without without seedlings and plant seeds directly in open ground. In this case, it is necessary to plant freshly harvested seeds in August, given that up to 10 plants can be accommodated per 1 square meter.

Before the cold weather sprouts will have time to grow 2 or 3 true leaves. After wintering, the seedlings will continue to grow and bloom in due time.

In the future, the delphinium is excellent propagates by self-sowing.

Professional advice on choosing seeds and growing delphiniums on suburban area look at the video:

As we see, grow delphinium from seeds not difficult at all. It is enough just to adhere to the correct agricultural technology and apply all the known tricks in practice to enjoy the marvelous flowering of the delphinium in your own garden.

Delphinium - beautiful flower, attracting the attention of everyone during the flowering period. Growing it is troublesome, but the result is guaranteed to please the hostess. What features of planting and care do you need to know the grower to successfully cope with the cultivation of delphinium from seeds at home? Walkthrough with photos and videos will help you avoid mistakes and enjoy a beautiful flower bed.

Delphinium is a beautiful flower that attracts the attention of everyone during the flowering period.

Growing delphinium from seeds for seedlingsy: step by step with photo

It is time to start planting delphinium seeds for seedlings at the end of February, March or in the first half of April. In regions with a cold climate, it is recommended to sow them in May. Seeds germinate for a long time, and after the appearance of the first shoots, the plant needs additional illumination. Seedlings are transferred to open ground in late April - early May. It all depends on the region where the summer resident lives.

According to flower growers, it is better to buy planting material in specialized stores. At improper storage seeds, they are poorly accepted or will not sprout at all. Self-collected seed should be stored in a cool place, in an airtight glass jar or foil.

Delphinium is subject to many diseases. This feature must be taken into account even before sowing. To prevent infection of the plant with diseases, it is important to disinfect the soil. To kill bacteria, fungi and viruses, the soil can be well heated in the oven for 30-40 minutes for maximum temperature. According to some flower growers, it is enough to fill the soil with a pink solution of potassium permanganate. The seeds themselves are treated by soaking in an Epin solution - this is a good growth stimulator.

Seed immediately before planting is recommended to be placed in the vegetable store of the refrigerator for 2 weeks. During all this time, the seeds should be in a damp cloth, and in an unpressurized container. Stratification of seeds can be carried out immediately after sowing. To do this, the box, along with the seeds, is placed in the basement or on a glazed balcony.

Before starting sowing, it is recommended to distribute snow or sand on the surface of the soil for convenience. This will make it easier to control the even distribution of small delphinium seeds. After the crops are not sprinkled, and the container is sent to a dark, cool place until the first shoots appear.

Growing a delphinium from seeds is a laborious task that requires a lot of time and the participation of a grower.

Growing delphinium: seedling care at home X

To prevent seedlings from stretching out, it is necessary to organize additional lighting. The lamp is placed high so that the heat from it does not reach the surface of the soil. Delphinium grows well in cool soil, at a temperature of no more than + 17-18 degrees.

Seedlings begin if the plant grows in soil whose temperature is below +16 degrees. According to the reviews of flower growers in cold soil, seedlings begin to hurt with a black leg and disappear. It is worth maintaining a constant temperature of about +17, because at +20 the seedlings will stop growing and are guaranteed to disappear.

They start picking after 2 full leaves are formed on the plant. It is better to use shallow, small disposable cups. During transplantation, try not to damage the delicate roots. The pick is carried out together with an earthen clod around the roots.

Delphinium responds positively to regular fertilization. fit complex fertilizers for indoor plants. With regard to watering, it is important not to overdo it. Seedlings do not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Drainage holes in the cups will help to avoid this.

Delphinium seedlings are transferred to open ground not earlier than May, but it is worth considering the peculiarities of the region. The flower is not afraid of short frosts, therefore landing work can be carried out immediately after the snow has melted in the country. The plant should not be placed deep in the ground. It is transplanted into prepared holes along with an earthen clod, and the soil is not rammed. It is worth adding a little humus to the wells.

Growing delphinium from seeds at home, video:

Have you decided to start growing delphinium from seeds at home this year? This is a labor-intensive business that requires a considerable investment of time and the participation of a grower. Those who are not afraid of such worries will be able to enjoy beautifully flowering plants in the future. Leave feedback and share your experience.

Delphinium is also called larkspur or spur (the flower has a process that looks like a spur). It got its name due to its resemblance to the head of a dolphin. This flower is popular with gardeners, is a real decoration of summer cottages.

Most often this perennial delphiniums, since it is not so easy to grow an annual crop from seeds: the plant is too capricious. About the rules of cultivation, planting delphinium seeds in different time, including in the fall, will be discussed below.

Description

There are two types of delphiniums - annuals and perennials. They are distinguished by the height and size of the inflorescences. So annual delphiniums grow no higher than a meter, and their candles are shorter.

Perennial plants are called larkspur. They can safely develop in one place for no more than five years. Then you have to think about reproduction.

Delphiniums feel good on neutral soil, not lovers of dampness. But when the soil dries out, flowering stops. Penumbra is not an obstacle to choosing a place.

Mature plants are less whimsical, because they have a well-developed root system. But when growing seedlings, there are many difficulties. The plant portrait looks great:

• the height of delphiniums reaches two meters;
• inflorescences look like candles;
• color palette diverse, it is almost impossible to list them, because today there are about 800 different shades.

Delphinium, grown from seeds through seedlings, forms inflorescences after a few months. While creating favorable conditions fastidious handsome man will bloom violently and for a long time.

plant varieties

There are several varieties of perennial delphinium, photos of these amazing plants in the garden are presented in the article. The names of the species directly depend on the place of creation:

• Scottish;
• Marfinsky;
• New Zealand;
• Elatum;
• Belladonna;
• Pacific.

And now about each type in more detail:

• New Zealand. Russian gardeners prefer New Zealand varieties, but the cost of seeds is very high. Although at successful cultivation delphiniums with beautiful large flowers are obtained. Terry inflorescences of the most diverse coloring. New Zealanders are real giants, their height is more than two meters.
  
• Marfin hybrids. They have semi-double inflorescences. The stems are strong, up to 2 meters. These delphiniums, bred by Russian breeders, also delight with their multicolor.
  
• Elatum. Distinctive feature of this species - inflorescences of all shades of blue and purple.
  
• Belladonna. The hybrid is easily distinguished by the hanging tips of the inflorescences, which gives the delphiniums a special effect.
  
• Scottish. The flowers are densely doubled, each of them has about a hundred petals. Candles are dense, the color palette is diverse.
  
• Pacific. hybrid delphiniums growing up to two meters. Inflorescences-candles consist of semi-double flowers.
  

Each of the species is represented by varieties with different colors.

Video: the best varieties of perennial Delphinium in the garden

Sowing delphinium seeds

Growing a perennial or annual delphinium from seeds at home is possible, but you have to work hard. Not always store-bought or self-collected seed germinates. The reason is improper collection and storage.

Rules for the selection and storage of seeds

If you decide to grow delphiniums on your site, you need to choose the right seeds. In no case should you purchase seed from random sellers, although they have a lower cost. It is better to buy delphinium seeds in specialized stores. There are rules for storing seed.

The fact is that delphinium seeds are finicky, like the plantings themselves. Shelf life in a warm room is not more than 11 months. According to the rules, the seeds of the plant must be collected in the year of ripening and removed (if autumn sowing is not provided) in the freezer. Scientists have found that seeds stored in harsh conditions do not lose their germination capacity up to 15 years.

If you yourself have collected the seeds, then they are dried, folded into a paper bag and put in the freezer.

Sowing dates

Both perennial and annual delphiniums can be propagated by sowing seeds. But only perennials are often grown through seedlings, and annuals only by sowing in the ground in spring or autumn. As a rule, plants grown from seedlings bloom in the first year of life. Sow seeds in different dates, depending on the region of residence:

• in the southern regions - in February;
• in middle lane- in the second half of March;
• in the Urals and Siberia - in the last days of March.

Of course, not only in the south are possible early crops seeds. If the gardener has phyto lamps in his arsenal, then you can start growing seedlings early.

Cooking seeds

In order for the delphinium seeds to give friendly shoots, they are processed before sowing to protect against possible diseases:

1. A pink solution of potassium permanganate is diluted and the seeds are dipped into it in a gauze bag for a third of an hour. You can use special fungicides for dressing, such as Maxim, Fitosporin M. On liter jar water add 1.5 grams of the drug. Seeds should lie for an hour or two.
2. At the end of the dressing, the seeds in the bag are washed in clean water.
3. At the last stage of disinfection and awakening, the seed is soaked in Epin's solution for 10 hours. According to the instructions, 4 drops of the drug are dissolved in 100 ml of water.
4. Pour the seeds on a dry napkin and dry to flow.

Video: the secret to the success of the seed delphinium

Choice of containers and soil

Experienced gardeners do not recommend sowing seeds immediately in separate containers. The fact is that small roots are not able to master the entire space of the pot, as a result, the soil turns sour. And this comfortable environment for the development of fungal diseases, including the black leg dangerous for the delphinium.

Container selection

The best option is shallow plastic containers that can hold a few seeds. different varieties. Drainage holes must be punched in the bottoms.

If previously used containers are used, they are washed hot water with laundry soap or boric acid solution.

Soil preparation

When growing a delphinium through seedlings, you need to select a nutrient substrate. Can be used ready soils for flowers or make a soil mixture with your own hands.

The soil in this case should consist of the following components:

• - 1 part;
• garden soil - 2 parts;
• humus or compost - 1 part;
• washed river sand- ½ part.

After mixing the components, the soil is sieved. If possible, add perlite to the composition to improve the structure of the soil. No matter what soil composition you use, it must be disinfected.

There are different ways:

1. Steam in a water bath or in a double boiler for at least an hour.
2. In the microwave for 5 minutes.
3. Spill with boiling water, adding a few crystals of potassium permanganate to it.
4. At the end of the procedure, you can water the soil with Fitosporin or Fitolavin in accordance with the instructions.

Features of growing seedlings

And now about the cultivation of the delphinium and detailed instructions sowing seeds:

1. Wet is poured into the container, leveled and slightly compacted. Seeds are laid out on the surface without deepening.
2. Powdered thin layer earth or vermiculite, cover with film or glass
3. You need to germinate the seeds in a dark room. You can even put it in the refrigerator on a shelf for vegetables.

Video: growing delphinium seeds

Placing containers in the refrigerator is the stratification of seeds. You can awaken the seed by scarification by rolling the seeds over sandpaper with fine dusting.

1. Seedlings appear in two weeks. In order not to miss this moment, the containers begin to be checked after a week. When the first green dots appear, the containers are removed from the refrigerator and placed on the brightest window.

After sowing seeds for seedlings after germination, you need to take care of further care:

1. If the lighting is insufficient, you will have to connect the lamps. Seedlings need 12 hours of daylight.
2. In addition to lighting, the delphinium needs a temperature of at least 18-20 degrees for successful development. Lower or higher temperatures will adversely affect development.
3. Watering should be moderate warm water without allowing the soil to dry out.

and seedling care

Seedlings need to be transplanted in the phase of 2 leaves. Plants are watered to make it safer to extract sprouts from the ground. The soil is taken of the same composition as when sowing seeds. You can add a complex mineral fertilizer: one tablespoon is enough for 5 liters of soil.

Seedlings must be taken out carefully so that a clod of earth remains on the roots. Dive seedlings into well-watered soil. Deepen the delphinium to the root neck and compress the earth around it.

Further care is to create comfortable conditions:

• lighting up to 14 hours;
• temperature regime- 18-20 degrees;
• watering, and after transplantation, the plants sing only after a week;
• top dressing.

Video: how to dive delphinium

Let's take a closer look at feeding. As a rule, seedlings before planting on permanent place need to be fed twice. You can use Agricol, Mortar, Gumastar and Fertika Lux. Water with solutions under the root, trying not to wet the leaves. If the solution gets on them, be sure to wash it off with clean water.

Autumn sowing of seeds

It is not necessary to grow seedlings. Sowing seeds in the garden in the fall is a great option. Firstly, the collected seeds do not have to be stored and messed with seedlings. Secondly, fresh seeds have 100% germination. Thirdly, the seed passes naturally, which also increases the percentage of seedlings.

Seeds are scattered on the surface of the prepared area, sprinkled with earth and tamped down. In order not to lose the place of sowing, it is necessary to mark it, for example, with pegs. Shoots will appear in early spring. Such plantings of perennial delphinium, as a rule, bloom only in the second year.

Outdoor cultivation

Choice of landing site

Before planting seedlings in a permanent place, you need to think about where to plant the delphinium:

1. It is best to stay on a site where the sun is rampant only until lunchtime.
2. The bed should be protected from the wind, so it is preferable to make a flower bed along the fence or wall of the building.
3. The place is chosen on a hill so that there is no stagnation of water. This can lead to decay of the root system.
4. Before planting, organic matter is added to the ridge. You can use humus, peat. Sand is required.
5. Water the planting site with boiling water with the addition of potassium permanganate to prevent plant disease with a black leg.

Landing features

Delphinium seedlings can be planted in holes or trenches in increments of up to 30 cm into moist soil. Plants are buried to the root neck and lightly press the soil. Plantings are watered abundantly and mulched to retain moisture.

If we talk about the timing of planting seedlings, then this is the end of May or the beginning of June. In any case, you need to focus on the characteristics of the climate of the region. The main thing is that the threat of a return of frost has passed.

Further care

After planting the delphinium with seedlings or seeds, further care of the plants in the garden consists in performing traditional work:

• and feed.

If there are no problems with some types of care, then how to fertilize delphiniums should be said separately.

Video: growing and caring for delphinium

With this type of work you need to be careful. If the plants were planted in fertile soil, then they will not need top dressing in the first year. After all, overfed plants will increase the green mass, and the peduncles will either not be thrown away at all, or they will be small.

The spurr himself will signal the need for top dressing. This moment is noticeable by yellowing leaves or slow plant growth. You can fertilize delphiniums no more than three times per season.

• The first top dressing is carried out completely mineral fertilizer with a height of shoots of 12-15 cm.
• The second time during budding. It is advisable not to use nitrogen-containing top dressing. Best friend plants - fertilizer with potassium and phosphorus.
• The third feeding after flowering with phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to enable renewal buds to start.
• Each top dressing is accompanied by abundant watering with clean water.
• To get large flower stalks, it is necessary to cut out weak shoots when they rise to a height of 30 cm. No more than 5-6 stems are left in the bush.
• Since the shoots of delphiniums are very high, a garter is indispensable. The first time they are tied to a support at a height of 45 cm, then again, when the shoots grow to 110 cm. The correct fixation is a figure eight, that is, each stem is fixed for two supports.
• When flowering stops, perennial delphiniums are cut almost to the ground level. This will give them the opportunity to prepare for the winter. Since perennial delphiniums are frost-resistant, they do not require special shelter. Just sprinkle the roots with a layer of soil, and throw something on top so that the earth is not blown away by the wind.

After wintering

After wintering, plants of the second year of life and older ones are fed with mullein or fertilizer without nitrogen. Fertilize the plants twice more during the growing season. Immediately delphiniums are watered abundantly. It is necessary to moisten the earth in 6-7 days.

Video: preparing the delphinium for winter

The next procedure is thinning. Young bushes should contain no more than 2-3 stems, and old bushes from 5 to 6 shoots. This procedure works not only for abundant flowering, but also saves plants from powdery mildew due to good air circulation.

If there are roots on the broken shoots, then they are used as cuttings for propagation. You can also increase the number of delphiniums by dividing the root.

The most interesting thing is that after cutting the peduncles and top dressing, perennial delphiniums will please with repeated flowering. Of course, the inflorescences will be smaller and not so bright, but they also look spectacular.

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Delphinium perennial - planting and care all year round, secrets of propagation by seeds

If your garden has a place for tall flowering perennials, then plant a strict and imposing aristocrat delphinium. Blooming delphiniums are always very spectacular. They possess unusual shape flower and rare shades. Moreover, they do not need any special care. And what is most pleasant perennial species normally winter in our latitudes. Let's pay attention to the perennial delphinium, the cultivation from seeds of which can provide you flowering plant already this summer.

Delphinium, spur or larkspur (Delphinium) - tall (up to 2 m) flowering herbaceous plant. There are over 300 annual and perennial species.

The leaves are rounded, palmately lobed, slightly hairy. On an upright stem is a large spike-shaped inflorescence, in which there can be up to 80 flowers. Alpine views shorter ones.

In floriculture, various subspecies and varieties of delphinium hybrid (Delphinium x cultorum Voss.) are most often used. They are divided into groups:

— Marfin hybrids Russian selection are distinguished by high winter hardiness. But when propagated by seeds, a strong splitting of species characteristics occurs, so they are now used infrequently.

— Hybrids Belladonna(D. Belladonna) bred from labial and large-flowered varieties back in late XIX century. They are relatively low, have the ability to re-bloom.

Delphinium hybrids Belladonna

— Hybrids Elatum(D. x. elatum) obtained as a result of crossing with the obligatory participation of high delphinium. large flowers of this species are most often semi-double.

Delphinium hybrids Elatum

— Pacific hybrids or Pacific (D. x pacific) bred in the USA, distinguished by tall bushes, large inflorescences and flowers. But in our climatic conditions it is often affected by diseases, therefore it is mainly used as a biennial, but it can grow up to 6 years. Needs support.

— New Zealand hybrids or New Millennium Hybrids are the most popular delphiniums. Bred by New Zealand breeder Terry Dowdeswell. They have a very high decorative effect, as they have large dense inflorescences, the purest color of various tones. And besides this, they are winter-hardy, durable and retain their original qualities during reproduction.

Delphinium New Zealand hybrids

main feature delphinium - an unusual flower structure. It consists of 5 petals, one of which has a “spur” process. Inside are two small petals and two nectaries, which differ in color from the outer sepals. It is they who attract pollinators (bumblebees, birds), so they are called eyes or bees. It concerns simple shapes, but there are also semi-double and fully terry types.

Breeding options

Perennial species of delphinium grow in one place up to 6 years, then the bush begins to thin out and requires a transplant. During such a procedure, the simplest reproduction is carried out - by dividing the bush. Do this in early spring or late summer after flowering. It is enough to separate one shoot with a healthy renewal bud and the presence of roots.

Just like other perennials, the delphinium also propagates by cuttings. Cut them in May or August. Rooted in a shaded place in a wet mixture of sand and peat (previously treated with heteroauxin). At temperatures slightly above 20 degrees, rooting occurs within two to three weeks.

Growing delphinium from seeds is also popular. Previously, propagation by seeds led to the loss of parental traits. Now, thanks to modern breeders, this problem is practically solved. New Zealand hybrids are especially good at this.

Delphinium seeds and their features

One of the difficulties in growing delphiniums from seeds is the very short term their storage. They quickly lose their viability. And so that the seeds collected in the fall can be sown on seedlings in the spring, they must be stored exclusively in the refrigerator. Seeds kept warm deteriorate, as at temperatures above 15 degrees they can begin to germinate right in the package.

Therefore, be very careful when buying seeds. Before ordering, read reviews about online stores, ask competent acquaintances. Delphinium seeds are quite expensive and it's a pity if you spend money and effort in vain.

Can be assembled own seeds from flowering delphiniums. This should be done on a dry sunny day, and fully ripe dark brown seeds should be selected. It is best to store them in glass container in the refrigerator or in another fairly cool place (veranda or balcony). However, when using your own seeds, there is a very high chance of getting plants that are different from the parent. Therefore, it is better to contact trusted stores or well-known breeders for seeds.

Sowing seeds in open ground

You can grow delphiniums from seeds by sowing them in the second half of spring directly into open ground. To do this, carefully dig up the bed (about 30 cm), apply complex fertilizers. Make superficial shallow grooves, water them well, evenly distribute the seeds and sprinkle a thin layer of dry soil on top. For better seed germination, the bed can be covered with dark agrofiber or black film. Provide regular surface watering. Shoots should appear in about 25 days. And only after that it will be possible to remove the shelter.

Young shoots should be regularly watered and fed. Loosen the soil and remove weeds. For the winter, young plants will require shelter. And next year they can already be planted in a permanent place, and they can bloom.

Winter sowing multiply annual species delphiniums.

Sowing seeds for seedlings

You can grow delphiniums from seeds seedling way. Sowing seeds of delphiniums for seedlings is best done in the last days of February or at the very beginning of March. In 2019 auspicious days in February are: 24-26, 28; in March - 1-2, 5, 7, 10-14 (see details). Since young shoots are not very satisfied with artificial lighting, they want more daylight.

The first step is to prepare the planting soil. It should be neutral or slightly acidic, as well as light and breathable. To do this, you can prepare a soil mixture of sand and leaf (or sod) soil, adding a little humus and peat. A special soil mixture bought in a store is also suitable.

Before use, the soil must be disinfected. There are several options. You can put it in the microwave for 5 minutes maximum power) or spill it with boiling water, or you can simply pour it with a solution of manganese or Previkur.

Delphiniums do not tolerate picking very well, therefore, if possible, it is better to immediately sow them in large separate cups (9-13 cm in diameter).

Seeds before sowing should be stored in a package at a negative temperature in freezer.

You can take any total container for sowing seeds (disposable food containers are popular). plastic containers with lids), the main thing is to make drainage holes at the bottom, since stagnant water is detrimental to seedlings. You can put a little broken red brick or expanded clay on the bottom.

We fill the container with moist soil, compact, leaving up to top edge capacity of about two centimeters. It is important that the depth of the soil layer is at least 10 cm. We spread the seeds with a wet toothpick (they stick to one, and push them into the right place with another toothpick). It is desirable that there be a distance of 1.5-2 cm between the seeds. Lightly press them to the surface and sprinkle with the thinnest layer of soil (about 2-3 mm). We pour from a spray bottle. We cover the container with a lid or a film, and on top with black agrofibre (you can also use a black opaque film). Delphinium seeds germinate better in the dark. Please note that the temperature should not be higher than 20 degrees (15-18)! Below is possible, but more heat will inhibit the sprouts.

When the first shoots appear (after 7-12 days), we remove the dark shelter and put our container in a very bright place, but not in direct sun. On cloudy days, be sure to turn on additional lighting. It is advisable to light up in the evening. Watering drip or spray spray.

Do not forget to regularly remove condensation from the lid and gradually ventilate the seedlings. When the sprouts reach the level of the cover (film or glass), then it must be removed.

Further care

If you did not sow the seeds immediately in separate large cups, then after the appearance of the first pair of true leaves, you should pick the seedlings. Delphiniums are very sensitive to root injuries, so do this as carefully as possible.

Use big plastic glasses, but it is best to dive seedlings into peat cups. You can avoid injury to plants by planting them in the garden along with a glass. When picking, carefully take the sprout by the cotyledon leaves and deepen it into the soil to the level of real leaves. Then we continue to grow seedlings at temperatures below 20 degrees, additional lighting and careful regular watering (we use a spray bottle or a syringe without a needle).

A few days after picking, seedlings can be fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizer. In the future, we carry out top dressing every week.

To prevent the disease of seedlings with a "black leg", the first watering after planting, as well as after picking, should be carried out with a solution of "Previkura".

In early May, seedlings should be gradually hardened off. Take the plants outside or an open balcony, first for a few minutes, then gradually increasing the time to several hours.

One more thing interesting method sowing

Does delphinium need stratification?

On the question of whether it is necessary to carry out seed stratification when sowing a delphinium for seedlings, there is no consensus.

Some flower growers believe that since the seeds were stored in a cold place before sowing, they were already stratified to some extent. They sow seeds directly into the ground and get normal germination.

Others, no less experienced growers, believe that stratification is still necessary. To do this, containers with sown seeds (which were previously stored in the freezer) are placed in the refrigerator for about 10-14 days. Then the container is placed in a warm (+25 degrees) and bright place. And after germination, take care of the seedlings as usual. With this method, germination is also good.

So here the choice is entirely yours.

Planting in the garden

When the probability of night frosts passes, around the end of May (depending on your climatic conditions), we plant our seedlings in the allotted place in the garden.

To plant delphiniums, choose a place without wind and stagnant water. It should be sunny, but with shading at midday. The soil is suitable sandy or loamy, necessarily enriched with humus. Delphiniums normally tolerate drought, for them excessive waterlogging is much worse.

Planting density depends on the variety and compositional solution. After planting, mulch the root circle. Young plants at first must be shaded so that they do not receive sunburn and well adapted to the new conditions. It is also important to protect the tender leaves from slugs. Do not forget to consider a support for tying grown delphiniums.

In the future, care is the most common: watering, fertilizing, loosening and removing weeds, garter. For the winter top part cut off. The delphinium hibernates without shelter. However, if your winters are frosty and often without snow, then it is better to cover the plants with straw or spruce branches.

The first year your seedlings will gain strength and grow roots. At the end of summer you will see the first, still weak, flowering. And next year you will be pleased with the full flowering, which, when proper care and in accordance with the characteristics of the variety can occur twice.

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Diseases and pests

Seedlings of delphiniums from seeds, like any other, can be subjected to fungal disease"blackleg". The causative agents of this disease are in the soil, therefore, for prevention, its disinfection is required. Waterlogging, dense planting and heavy soil contribute to the occurrence of the disease. If you notice a plant with blackening at the bottom of the stalk, which is becoming weak, immediately remove it. In case of group sowing, the soil should be replaced as much as possible, and then watered with a solution of the Previkur preparation.

Mature plants are affected by fungal diseases ( powdery mildew, rust, root collar rot, mosaic and others). Delphiniums also suffer from bacterial (viral) diseases (spotting, curly, and others).

For fungal infections, spraying is used Bordeaux mixture(5%) or other drugs acting on a particular disease.

With viruses, it is most often necessary to remove the affected plant. Spraying with tetracycline solution may help, but only at the very beginning of the disease. And with carriers of infections - aphids should be fought with the help of insecticides.

All these diseases are due to improper care for plants and unfavorable weather conditions (heavy rains or severe drought). You should also regularly remove fallen leaves, thin out the bushes, and water them in a timely manner.

Delphiniums also have pests: aphids, spider mite, dolphin and onion flies, various caterpillars, slugs, which are very harmful to young leaves.

Insects must be fought with special chemicals. Against aphids, you can also use tobacco dust, garlic infusion. And metaldehyde helps fight slugs. Various folk means of struggle are quite troublesome.

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Little hints

1. Before sowing seeds, a thin layer of river sand is sifted onto the surface of the soil. On a light sandy background, dark brown seeds will be clearly visible and this will make it possible to distribute them correctly.
2. For a more successful wintering, in addition to mulching, you can sprinkle the cut bush with sand, and cover the hollow tube of the stem with clay (or even plasticine).
3. White delphinium varieties require more light than others. Therefore, they are put in a bright place when the very first seed is hatched, without waiting for the rest.
4. If several different varieties are planted close together, the purity of the variety may not be preserved. Also, temperature and external environment may affect the color of some varieties.

Now you know how to grow a delphinium from seeds. It is not much more difficult than any other seedling. And all the troubles and efforts will immediately seem insignificant, as soon as you see in your garden the stunning splendor of large openwork candles blooming delphinium. Hurry up to buy seeds, because you can already start sowing!