Delphinium Seeds | White
LATIN NAME: Delphinium
COMMON NAME: Delphinium
Plant Profile
Delphinium (Delphinium) is a distinctive species in the buttercup family. Delphinium larks tall, upright spires with deeply lobed, dark-green leaves and dense columns of spurred, five-petalled flowers in pure white and soft cream, opening from bottom of spike upward through early summer. Flowers keep cool, crisp look, and spikes stand out against the border. It likes sun, and rich, moist, well-drained soil. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Delphinium sits in the buttercup family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. In buttercup family, delphiniums have a long, stately record in studies of hardy border perennials, and white-flowered forms appear in research on flower pigments and cool-meadow growth. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Delphinium has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. In sunny border, delphinium larks back of border with tall white spires. Dense columns of white and cream feed bees and butterflies through early summer, and spikes stand out against the green. It grows well in rich, moist, well-drained, sunny ground and stands cool nights. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Delphiniums are the aristocrats of the summer border; note that the whole genus is toxic if eaten, so admire the spires and keep them from grazing animals and children.
Growing from Seed
Delphinium grows readily from seed. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Given the right start, Delphinium is a long-term garden companion. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Delphinium often pair it with these related subjects: