From my perspective as a delphinium seed, I am not like other seeds. I carry within me a deep, ancestral memory that tells me I must endure a winter before I can awaken. This is called cold stratification. If you simply tuck me into warm, moist soil, I will slumber indefinitely. To break my dormancy, you must mimic the natural cycle. Place me in a damp paper towel or a small container of moist seed-starting mix, seal me in a plastic bag, and then put me in your refrigerator's crisper drawer—not the freezer! I need to experience a consistent, chilly (around 40°F or 4°C) period for about two to three weeks. This cold, damp treatment convinces me that winter has passed, and it is finally safe to germinate.
Once my cold period is over, I am ready for a gentle awakening. I am very sensitive to my environment, especially when I am just a fragile seedling. I require a well-draining home. Please use a sterile, soilless seed-starting mix, not heavy garden soil which can harbor diseases that overwhelm me. Fill a clean tray with small cells or pots. My taproot grows quickly and dislikes being disturbed, so biodegradable pots are an excellent choice as they can be planted directly into a larger container later, minimizing root shock. Ensure my new home has drainage holes; I cannot tolerate having my roots sitting in water, as this will cause them to rot before I even have a chance to see the light.
Now, for the planting. I am very small and contain limited energy reserves. If you bury me too deeply, I will exhaust myself trying to reach the surface and perish. Gently press me onto the surface of the moistened seed-starting mix. I need light to germinate, so do not cover me with soil. A very light dusting of vermiculite can help maintain moisture around me without blocking the light. Then, cover my tray with a clear plastic dome to create a humid, mini-greenhouse environment. Place me in a warm location (65-75°F or 18-24°C), perhaps on top of a refrigerator or with a specialized heat mat underneath. The consistent warmth tells me the conditions are perfect for growth.
As soon as you see the first green shoots—my cotyledons, or seed leaves—emerge, my needs change dramatically. Immediately remove the plastic dome to prevent damping-off disease, a fungal menace that can swiftly cut me down. I now have an insatiable thirst for light. Place me directly under a strong grow light, mere inches above my leaves. A sunny windowsill is rarely sufficient and will cause me to become weak and leggy as I strain pathetically toward the sun. I need 14-16 hours of bright light daily. Water me from the bottom by placing my tray in a shallow dish of water. This encourages my roots to grow downward deeply and keeps my delicate stem and leaves dry, preventing rot. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings.
After I have developed several sets of true leaves and the outside temperatures are consistently above freezing, I must be prepared for the outdoors. This process is called hardening off, and it is critical. My leaves are tender and will scorch if thrust directly into full sun and wind. For over a week, please gradually introduce me to the outdoors. Start with just an hour or two in a sheltered, shady spot, bringing me back inside each night. Slowly increase my time outside and my exposure to sunlight. This process slowly thickens my cuticle (leaf surface), allowing me to withstand the full force of the sun and wind without going into shock.
