what do delphinium seedlings look like

What Do Delphinium Seedlings Look Like? A Guide to Identifying These Beautiful Flowers from Sprout to Bloom

Delphiniums are some of the most majestic flowers a gardener can grow. When mature, their tall spires tower above the garden, delivering breathtaking vertical drama. Delphinium flowers come in vivid shades of blue, purple, pink, red and white. Their name comes from the Greek word for dolphin, referring to the shape of the flower buds.

Though delphiniums bring spectacular beauty once established, starting them from seed and nurturing the delicate seedlings can be challenging. Unlike their mature form, delphinium seedlings look quite different when they first emerge from the soil. Learning to properly identify the seedlings is crucial for growing success.

In this guide. we’ll cover everything you need to know about delphinium seedlings including

• The timetable for seedling growth
• Distinctive features of new sprouts
• When the first true leaves appear
• How the seedlings change as they mature
• Comparison to similar weed seedlings

Understanding the phases of early seedling development will empower you to successfully cultivate these special flowers from seed to bloom.

When to Expect Delphinium Seedlings

Delphinium seeds typically take 14-21 days to germinate after planting. The seeds need consistent moisture and soil temperatures between 60-70°F to sprout.

The first sign of life will be the seed coat cracking open and the white taproot emerging. Soon after, the seedling’s first round embryonic leaves known as cotyledons will push up through the soil surface.

The cotyledons look nothing like true delphinium leaves. They are rounded and paddle shaped. It takes 4-6 weeks after sowing for the first true leaves to appear on the seedlings. This is when they start resembling a delphinium plant.

Identifying Features of New Delphinium Seedlings

When delphiniums first sprout, look for these distinguishing traits:

• Location – They emerge near where seeds were planted.

• Timeframe – They appear 2-3 weeks after sowing.

• Round cotyledons – The first leaves are spoon shaped.

• Leggy growth – The stems and leaves are tall and sparse initially.

• Smooth texture – No hairs on the leaves yet.

• Pale green color – New growth looks translucent.

• Slender stem – The stem is thin and wire-like at first.

• Slow growth – They focus on root development before gaining size.

These identifiers help correctly recognize the delicate new seedlings.

Transition to True Leaves

After 4-6 weeks, the seedling starts growing its first true leaves. These will have:

• Jagged, lobed leaf edges
• Alternate arrangement on the stem
• Clasping leaf base
• Fuzzy, downy texture
• Darker green color
• Faster, more vigorous growth

Once true leaves emerge, the plant is established and ready for transplanting.

Differences Between Seedlings and Weeds

It’s important to check seedlings carefully to ensure they are delphiniums, not weeds. Some common weed seedlings resemble young delphiniums. Here’s how to tell the difference:

• Delphiniums emerge near where seeds were planted.
• They have round cotyledons.
• Their leaves are arranged alternately on stems.
• They develop fuzzy, hairy texture on leaves.
• Stems have a purple tinge.
• They show rapid upward growth.

When unsure, compare suspicious sprouts to reference pictures and remove any that don’t match. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Caring for Young Delphinium Plants

To help delphinium seedlings thrive:

• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
• Provide morning sun, avoid hot afternoon sun.
• Use fabric row covers for protection.
• Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart.
• Fertilize weekly with dilute liquid fertilizer.
• Transplant outdoors after 12-16 weeks of indoor growth.

Proper early care leads to success with these somewhat persnickety seeds.

What Mature Delphinium Seedlings Look Like

As the seedlings grow, their appearance transforms dramatically:

Cotyledon Stage:

The first round leaves are called cotyledons. They resemble small spoons.

First True Leaves:

After some weeks, fern-like true leaves emerge. These are often still rounded.

Mature Seedling:

In time, with proper care, seedlings become robust young plants.

Tracking the phases of delphinium seedling development is invaluable for nurturing them to maturity. With the right start, these stately beauties can grace your garden for years to come.

The Takeaway on Delphinium Seedlings

• Seedlings sprout 2-3 weeks after sowing and change as they mature.

• Identifying features like round leaves and leggy stems confirm seedling identity.

• True delphinium leaves emerge after 4-6 weeks.

• Comparing to reference images prevents mistaken weeds.

• Careful moisture, light, and transplantation nurtures seedlings.

• Growth stages progress from cotyledons to true leaves to mature plant.

Understanding exactly what delphinium seedlings look like and what they need allows gardeners to successfully grow these special flowers from seed to bloom. Then you can enjoy their elegance and vibrancy in your landscape. With the right knowledge and care, you’ll be rewarded with delphinium flowers towering tall above your garden in gorgeous colors.

Delphiniums typically take about 18 months to flower from seed, though they may not bloom in their first year if grown from seed directly in the garden. If started indoors, they can sometimes bloom in the first year.