Delphinium 'Guardian Lavender'
Delphinium elatum
Icy blue with soft lavender tones, this delphinium is extra special and a top favorite. A superior hybrid bred for vigorous plants with exceptional bloom quality and strong stems, it's an outstanding choice for cut flower production.
I adore delphinium, especially it's long bloom period. It has quickly become one of my all-time favorite fairy flowers. And it appears I am not alone, it was named Flower of 2026 by Better Homes and Gardens!
For a comparison of delphinium varieties, swipe through the photos until you get to the label. For a close-up comparison between Sky Blue and Lavender: 3rd photo, Sky Blue is on the left and Guardian Lavender is on the right.
Delphinium's tall, upright structure adds height and drama to arrangements, bouquets, and gardens, while its clusters of delicate blooms lend an airy, dimensional quality. The individual florets are perfect for smaller design work, such as corsages, crowns, and boutonnières, offering soft colors and movement to any creation. The best part? It blooms over a long period!
Delphinium has a rich history. The Delphinium genus derives it's name from the Greek word "delphinion", meaning "dolphin," due to the shape of its flower's spur. In ancient Greece, the flower symbolized grace and spirituality. Delphinium became one of the most sought-after cut flowers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due to its tall stems, graceful form, stunning colors, and long vase life. While Delphinium has a history of medicinal use, all parts of the plant are considered toxic (especially in high doses or to livestock).
CAUTION: All parts of this plant are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets. The purchaser assumes all liability relating to the use of this product.
Packet contains approximately 20 seeds.
DETAILS
Plant type: Short-lived perennial (Zones 3–7)
Days to maturity: 105–125 days
Light preference: Sun/Part shade
Plant spacing: 12 inches
Plant height: 36–48 inches
Hybrid status: Hybrid (F1)
SOWING
Depth: Cover lightly
Days to germination: 10–20 days at 65–70°F
How to Grow
Sow indoors 10–16 weeks before transplanting out. Cover lightly as light aids germination. A fine dusting of vermiculite is perfect and also helps with moisture. After emergence, grow seedlings at 50–55°F.
If you're having trouble with germination, consider refrigerating or freezing delphinium seeds for a couple weeks. (If your seeds come from us, they have already had a chilling period, but you could do more to be extra sure).
I simply follow the above instructions exactly as written and germination rates typically match the packet. However, you can also sandwich seeds between moist paper towel in a plastic baggy, refrigerate for a few weeks, then move under grow light between 65–70°F, transplanting to soil oncer germinated.
Keep in mind that delphinium may have slightly lower germ rates than some flowers (regardless of supplier). If you get seeds from us, the germ rates will be listed on the packet. Sow according to germ rates (i.e., if germ rate = 60% I'd sow 2–3 seeds per cell to ensure I grow enough for our needs).
Harvest & Vase Life
Harvest when 1/4 to 1/3 of flowers on stem are open. Plants bloom again in late summer and early fall if cut back immediately after the first bloom.
Expected vase life: 7 to 9 days.
Photo Credit: Petal Back Farm & Johnny's Selected Seeds
