Delphinium 'Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee'
Delphinium elatum
I adore delphinium, but I am particular about the varieties we go. I especially love Dwarf Pacific types, because they have full florets and tight internodes and are easier to use in bouquets.
This cottage garden staple, beloved by bees and butterflies, brings fairy bouquets to life (that's what I call our pastel market bouquets). When brides request blue, it's highly likely they saw a picture on Pinterest designed with delphinium, and 'Magic Sky Blue' is the perfect pastel blue with kisses of soft, icy lavender
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.
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 50 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: Open pollinated
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 aides germination. A fine dusting of vermiculite 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. I simply follow the above exactly as written and germination rates match the packet.) 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, moving 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.
SHIPPING
FREE: $100 or more on any seeds
$3.95: 1–9 seed packets
$7.95: 10+ seed packets
Photo Credit: Petal Back Farm & Johnny's Selected Seeds
