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Re: Delphiniums - What to do now?


> This is my first year with delphiniums and since I have a contract to 
> sell my house it will be my last at this location.  My stalks are dry, 
> but there is still some green stalks.  How do I know when to gather 
> seed?  The only seed I am familiar with are marigold seeds, are 
> delphinium seeds shaped the same way or are they hard round seeds?  I 
> would like to take these with me and seeds are the best way.

Carl / Dawn

Firstly you should realize that delphinium seeds will not grow true 
to type. Do you know what variety they are?

After petal fall you will notice green seed pods have developed at 
the top of the (pedicel) stalk holding the individual floret. 
Wait until these begin to turn brown and are just about to 
burst open, then harvest the seed. The seed should be brown or black. 
If it is white it is not yet ripe. Do this over several days as the 
pods ripen up the flower spike. Dry in a well aired room for a few 
days and then place in an envelope and store in the fridge. The 
latter is extremely important as delph seed can lose viability very 
quickly. Sow the seed under protection in the early spring or wait 
until the worst frosts are past and sow in trays ready to plant out 
in late Spring. There is more info on seed sowing and delphiniums on 
our web site.

Have you hand crossed delphinium hybrids? 

Good luck with your new location.

Terry Dowdeswell
18 Henderson Ave
Tuakau, New Zealand
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry@delphinium.co.nz
http://www.delphinium.co.nz
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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