Larkspur "Multicolor" (mix)

Pre-sowing preparation of delphinium seeds. 
Before sowing, it is recommended to carry out treatments that significantly increase seed germination — soaking and stratification. As is known, three factors are essential for seed germination: water, suitable temperature, and air. But that does not mean that a lot of water or high temperatures are needed. 
The process is as follows. Cut long strips of clean white cloth, about 10×40 cm. Pour some seeds onto the cloth and spread them evenly in the center. Fold the long edges inward and roll up the strip from one short side into a small roll. The seeds will stay evenly distributed inside the cloth and cannot fall out. Tie the roll with wire several times — fixing the label and the seed roll together. Prepare similar rolls for other seed varieties you plan to sow. 
Tip: the best label, according to many years of professional experience, is made from an aluminum can (lemonade or beer).
Scratch the variety name and date with a sharp metal object. Make a small hole at one end of the label, thread a piece of wire through it, and fasten it.
Prepare a container with a small amount of water at the bottom and place the seed rolls inside. The cloth rolls should be moist but never fully submerged — otherwise, the water will displace the air and the seeds will die (as germinating seeds need oxygen for respiration).
An even better option is to use sphagnum moss. Wrap the rolls in well-moistened moss and place them in a container (bowl, jar, etc.).
Keep the seeds at 5–6°C for one week — in a refrigerator or on a cool terrace. Check regularly that the fabric stays moist. After this period, unroll the strips: the seeds should be well swollen and ready to sprout. Make sure no roots have appeared yet — if they do, they will break easily during sowing, ruining the process.
If white root tips have already appeared, sow immediately, or if this is not possible, put them back in the cold to slow germination.
This method greatly increases delphinium seed germination. According to standards, first-class seed germination should be at least 62%, but after this treatment it rises to 80% or more. This process is in harmony with natural conditions — it’s useless to go against nature.



P.S. If you have only a few seeds, sow them in a small container, cover with a lid, place in a plastic bag, and put in the refrigerator (+3–+5°C). After two weeks, take the container out and place it on a bright windowsill. Keep the temperature around +20°C.


Alfred de Breanski.