Magic Fountain Mix, Delphinium Seed

Note: These are perennial on our farm in Zone 2.
 
50 seeds per packet
 
Dwarf Pacific type delphinium perfect for small gardens. Magic Fountains attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with fantastic displays of semidouble pink, blue, lavender, and white flower spikes with dark and light “bees”, or centers. Compact plants do not need staking but should be sheltered from strong winds. Perennial plants grow 90-120cm (36-48") tall.
 
Timing
Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out. Or simply direct sow in early spring, when a light frost is still possible, or early autumn. Seeds take 14-28 days to sprout.
 
Starting
Just cover the tiny seeds. If starting indoors, vernalize seeds by planting them in trays in sterilized seed starting mix. Place these inside plastic bags and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Then place them in total darkness and maintain a soil temperature of 10-12°C (50-55°) until sprouted. Once sprouts appear, place below bright light. Space or thin to 30-45cm (12-18″) between plants.
 
Growing
Deep, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. For the most bloom potential, water well throughout the season, and feed once in the early spring. Remove spent flowers immediately after the first bloom, and feed again. When new growth reaches about 20cm (8″) tall, cut back old growth completely.