Noble Delphiniums. Growing From Seeds

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Seed reproduction of delphiniums is an interesting process that attracts not only breeders, but also gives an opportunity for novice collectors to replenish their flower garden with new unusual forms. The result is always unpredictable. In large centers, when obtaining seeds, varieties are isolated from each other. It is difficult to create such conditions in a personal garden. How to get your own seed?

Seed growing

For seed purposes, the strongest specimens are left, one arrow per bush. Ensure the safety of shoots by binding them to a support so that accidental gusts of wind do not break long shoots.

During the ripening period, the plants are fed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, helping to form large grains. Harvested in the phase of full ripeness, when the valves are completely brown. Gradually remove the "harvest", starting from the lower tiers.

Lay out to dry in casings on paper in a dry warm place. Then the grains are separated from the capsules. Packed in paper envelopes indicating the year, grade name. Store on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This technique maintains good seed germination for a longer time.

Sowing

Stratification will help "wake up" the delphinium seeds.

In February, a fertile mixture of peat, vermiculite and sand is prepared in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Fill boxes with drainage holes at the bottom with soil to a height of 5 cm. Cut grooves with a depth of 0.3 cm. Spill with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, to prevent the "black leg".

Seeds are spread evenly every 0.5-1 cm in a row. Sprinkle with a thin layer of earth, Compact the surface with your hand. Cover with foil. They are placed in the refrigerator for 1-1.5 months on the lower shelf or on an unheated veranda, glazed balcony.

Germination

Seedlings can appear right in the refrigerator. Carefully monitor the moisture content of the soil, preventing it from drying out or waterlogging. Both options will adversely affect seed germination. In the first case, overdried grains will not sprout, in the second, they will rot.

Bring the boxes into a room with a temperature of 20-25 degrees. Placed on a windowsill, shading from direct sunlight. Friendly shoots appear in 1-1, 5 weeks. Gradually open the film, accustoming the young to the conditions of the dry air of the room.

Seedling care

The main conditions for growing strong seedlings:

• sufficient lighting (with early sowing at home, use of supplementary lighting in the evening, morning hours);

• optimal soil moisture;

• watering with potassium permanganate solution to prevent "black leg";

• feeding once a month with a complex fertilizer for flowers;

• maintaining the temperature at the level of 18-22 degrees.

With rare sowing, picking of plants is excluded. They have enough space for full-fledged development before planting on seedling beds in open ground. With thickened plantings, the young are seated in separate cups in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, trying not to deepen the growth point.

Transfer to the garden

When steadily warm weather sets in, the containers are taken out into the garden, leaving for the day under the shade of trees or shrubs. Gradually accustom to the intensity of street lighting. A sudden transition can cause burns on the leaves or death of the entire plant.

It is advisable to use the first year for planting beds for growing seedlings. With a compact arrangement of young animals, it is easier to care for the delphinium. Specimens sown in February - March bloom in the first year closer to August.

Transplantation to a permanent place is carried out next spring, digging up plants with a large clod of earth, trying to disturb the roots less.

Direct sowing in greenhouses

Experienced gardeners practice early sowing in cover beds. After the snow melts (at the beginning of April), the grains are sown on the sites prepared in the fall. Sprinkle with water. Cover with foil through the arcs. Low night temperatures trigger the process of awakening the planting material.

At the same time, the seedlings are stronger, stockier, better adapted to outdoor growing conditions.

When planting in the garden, give the delphinium a ceremonial place in the flowerbed. Over time, the overgrown bushes will delight you with abundant flowering, bright buds of luxurious "garlands".