Some plant seeds are difficult to germinate even though they are fresh and viable. This trick works particularly well for delphiniums which benefit from a cold chill before sprouting.
For more, also see gardening tips and tricks.
Growing Tips
The number one best tip for seed success is to read the information on the seed packet. Seed growers want you to have success with your seeds and often they provide a lot of useful information.
One commonly over-looked section is preparation of the seed before planting. While many can be directly sown, some germinate at much better rates if they receive some special treatment ahead of time.
This may include pre-chilling seeds, pre-soaking seeds in damp paper towels, gently scraping the seed coat, and/or making sure the soil is the right temperature.
You can read more about best soil temperatures for seed germination here.
Delphinium Seeds
Here’s my experiment with delphinium seeds to find the best germination rate.
It’s no secret that I am a delphinium fanatic. It was an infatuation with these tall lovelies that got me into gardening in the first place and they ended up being the stars of my first garden (pictured below).
To make it affordable to fill my new garden with them, I have to start the delphiniums from seed, or take basal root cuttings from existing plants in the spring.
Germination Experiment
Reader Feedback
I ran across your web site last fall when researching delphiniums. I have been collecting seeds from my delphinium plants for several years and have had zero success. Not even one seed ever sprouted. I decided that I needed to do a little research. I discovered your web page and read about your germination experiment. I decided to try it. Amazing! I think that every seed I planted must have sprouted! It was truly amazing! Thank you so much for passing on the information through your web site! You really are the Empress of Dirt! ~A.D.
I recently conducted an experiment to see which seed starting method yields the best germination rate. I used seeds from the same packet planted in seed starter mix under the grow lights. Just the seed preparation methods differed.
I tried these three things with the seeds
1. Straight out of the packet.
2. Chilled overnight in the freezer (with some insulation).
3. Pre-soaked between damp towels for 36 hours, stored in refrigerator.
Each set of seeds was then planted in seed starting mix as usual.
And here are the results
1. Straight out of the packet | 20% germination rate after 16 days.
2. Chilled overnight in the freezer (with some insulation) | 50% germination rate after 16 days.
3. Pre-soaked between damp towels for 36 hours. | 90% germination rate after 11 days (same on day 16).
The clear winner is…#3: Presoaking the seeds
Some seed types love pre-soaking, others do not. Delphs definitely do. If your seeds aren’t sprouting with direct sowing, you may want to try presoaking them first.
And for my garden, the more delphiniums, the better.
More Delphinium Tips
1 How to Get Delphiniums to Bloom Twice in One Season
2 Grow More Plants from Basal Root Cuttings
- You can also start new delphinium plants by taking root cuttings in the spring. It’s best to nab the roots when the shoots are just a few inches tall, before the stalks get hollow. If you miss this opportunity, you can still start plants from seed.
3 Secrets for Growing Gorgeous Delphiniums
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
Annie says
They also require darkness to germinate. Some seeds require light and some dark.
I was looking up why my delphiniums were the only seeds to have trouble and it was because all my other seeds are light lovers.
Melissa J. Will says
Yes, that’s why they are placed in the soil, not on top of it–so they are in the dark until they sprout.
Laura says
Thank you!!! Aw man I needed to read this a few hours ago lol. Oh well. I’m going to get a few more packets and they then number 3 method. I adore delphinium!! I want them everywhere. I planted a ton of veggies and flowers by seed and they all germinated in just a few days. They just took over my dads bedroom but this was set on his window in the country facing the morning sun and in his super soil from his compost steep. My delphinium implanted here which is in Kentucky did nothing after 3 weeks. So, I’ve been thinking perhaps it was a soil issue. I just planted some more but with some compost from the store. I’ll try your method as well. Again, thank you!!!
Laura
Susan Wachtel says
Thank you so much! We had some delphiniums last year for the first time and loved them. Purchased the plants from the nursery. Thought I’d try to grow them from seeds this year.
Thank for your letting your readers learn from you.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Susan, Let me know how it goes! 🙂
Willow says
For the freezer method do you just freeze the packet, or do you say put in a pot of soil first and then freeze it?
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Willow,
I just freeze as many as I want to plant (plus a few spares). I put the seeds on a paper towel, fold it so they don’t fall out, and put it in a plastic freezer bag in the freezer.
lizK says
I have planted the fabulous evergreen, Hicks Yews, which love acidic soil (coffee grounds are added to it). I am wondering if Delphs like the same soil, as I am thinking of planting Delphs in front of the row of yews for a type of background ‘support’. What say you? Thanks in advance!
Melissa J. Will says
The growing zone is key – this may help you: https://empressofdirt.net/delphinium-growing-tips/
Rebecca says
Does this go for vegetables too? Soaking them before planting?
Melissa J. Will says
No, most seeds germinate just fine without any special treatment. Check your seed packet for specific instructions. This is just for seeds like delphiniums that can be fussy.
Eden says
I’m a first time grower from seeds this year. I soaked my seeds for about 24 hours. I used a pellet growing kit. I’ve noticed some white stringy substance growing on the top of the pellet. Is this normal or is this a mold of some sort and my delphinium are ruined? I would greatly appreciate your advice!
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Eden, I’ve never used pellets so I’m not sure what that could be but it does not sound normal.
Audrey G says
Thank you for these tips, I am a brand new gardener and have been given alot of seeds. I have no clue how to ‘germinate’ . I tried putting them in a shallow plastic container with some good potting soil, moisten the dirt, then cover with plastic wrap and put in a warm place. Naught!!! Now question on the 3rd method….once you put the seeds between the 2 damp towels, what’s next? where do I put them? How long do I wait, and when the seedlings do pop out, how do I plant them without destroying them?. As I said, I have never planted from seed and have so many nice ones that were given to me, and would love to see them in the ground growing!!! Help!!! Thank you so much
Melissa says
Hi Audrey,
If you’re very new to planting seeds, I would just start with something simple. Sounds like you might make use of a good basic gardening book to give you step by step advice. Also, if you buy seeds, always read the seed packets thoroughly—they have a lot of useful information.
This method for delphiniums is something that helps seeds that can be slow to spourt to germinate sooner. After they sprout in the towel, I plant them in soil according to the packet instructions.
Are you saying ‘naught’ because your seeds did not sprout/germinate?
Carrie Lea says
Thank you so much for the info. I already planted my seeds without soaking them. Bummer I will get it right next time.
Melissa says
Were they delphiniums? They may still sprout but take a little longer. 🙂
Julie says
Interesting findings! I have read in other sources that the key to germinating delphs is to sow them in a mix of starter and sand. I will be giving your method a try.
thanks!
Melissa says
I tried the sand and starter mix combo and the germination rate was low (20%). From what I’ve found, they seem to prefer some cold moisture to start. Let me know how it goes for you. 🙂
ericlawtonca says
Thanks for sharing -I usually chill as that’s what it says on the package -but nothing beats experimental data.
Larry says
Glad for this info… I never do very well with delphiniums from seed and I find them generally hard to establish as well. Once they get going, they do great in my gardens. Of the 60 plants I purchased this year, I’d say a third are not doing particularly well, or have perished. I’m not an inexperienced gardener… any thoughts on how I could improve in those first crucial couple of months with the delphs? Larry
Melissa says
Hi Larry,
I find the young delphs do not like full, direct sun. I planted about 100 this summer and the ones planted in rich compost, situated in partial shade, have done very well. The few that were in direct sun dried up and died, even with daily watering. I hope this helps. It’s been a tough gardening season for a lot of people.
Larry says
Thanks… that does match what I’ve experienced as well… good info! Larry
Melissa says
Thanks, Larry!