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.
What essential tools and materials do I need for starting delphiniums from seed?
Essential tools include soil mix, seed trays, heat mats, labels, watering tools, and fertilizer. These items create an optimal environment for successful seed germination and seedling growth.
What are some common challenges I may encounter when growing delphiniums from seed?
Common challenges include maintaining proper soil moisture levels, preventing water-related issues like damping off, and addressing nutrient deficiencies. Regular monitoring and proactive care are key to overcoming these challenges.
delphinium seedlings update, what do delphinium seedlings look like
FAQ
Why are delphiniums so hard to grow?
Delphiniums struggle in wet winter soil, so aid drainage by adding grit to the planting hole if you have heavy soil. Protect emerging shoots from slugs in spring and stake as soon as they start to grow. Feed weekly with a high potash fertiliser. After flowering, cut stems back to encourage a second flush of blooms.
How long do delphiniums take to grow?
How toxic is delphinium to humans?
The delphinium, more commonly called larkspur, is a beautiful and tall flowering plant with toxic amounts of diterpene alkaloids that can cause serious neuromuscular effects in dogs, other animals, and even humans. In fact, just two milligrams of the plant is enough to kill an adult human.
Are delphiniums easy to grow from seed?
Delphinium germinates at an uneven rate, so don’t get discouraged when only a few seeds come up in your tray at first. They will grow sporadically 7 to 21 days from sowing. I like to mix a little regular potting mix into a seed germination mix to make it just a little bit heavier and richer.