Question
MY DELPHINIUMS HAVE GONE TO SEED. WHEN AND HOW CAN I PLANT THE SEED. DO I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL SPRING? CAN I START THEM IN POTS THIS SUMMER AND PUT THEM IN THE GARDEN THIS FALL? HOW LONG UNTIL THEY BLOOM? I LIVE IN COLORADO. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Answer
Hi Cindy,
Thanx for your question.  If you delphiniums were hybrids, the resulting seedlings will not resemble the parents because seed from hybrids reverts back to the various varieties used in breeding the hybrid.  This more often than not results in inferior plants.  But, it is fun to try.  Gather the seeds when they are dry.  I think they are like black bits.  I would wait until late winter (January or February) to start them.  You won't have enough time in Colorado to get them to sprout and then strong enough to face winter.  It takes about 3 weeks for them to sprout at 70F.  I sprinkle them on top of a pot of good potting soil, moist not soggy and press the seed into the soil.  Cover with a light coating of milled sphagnum moss and keep warm and under 40 watt shop lights.  They have a tendency to get leggy under indoor lights but not to worry.  Keep the light about 8 inches above them.  When they are large enough to handle, gently prick them out and plant in separate cells.  Start feeding them 1/2 strength solution of fish emulsion and water.  After the last frost, place them outdoors in a shady place where they will be safe from the direct effects of wind, sun, rain, hail, etc., for about 10 days.  After that, plant in full sun.  They should bloom the second year.  Sometimes if started early enough they will have small blooms the first year.  I hope this helps.
Tom