Delphinium Seeds: How to Harvest

Gathering Delphinium Flower Seeds

Before we talk seed collecting, let’s delve into the heart of what makes these flowers a true gem in the gardening community.

The Delphinium Charm

Known for their vibrant colors and towering spikes, Delphiniums are a sight to behold. These perennials, predominantly in shades of blue, purple, white, and pink, not only add a splash of color but also an element of vertical interest to gardens. They are a favorite in cottage-style landscapes but fit just as beautifully in modern garden designs.

A Brief History

The allure of Delphiniums is timeless. These flowers have captivated gardeners and nature lovers for centuries. Originating from diverse regions, including the mountains of tropical Africa and the hills of the Northern Hemisphere, they bring with them a rich history and a variety of species.

Understanding Species and Varieties

Delphiniums come in more than 300 species, but the most popular are Delphinium elatum, D. belladonna, and D. grandiflorum. Each species has its unique charm and requirements, offering a plethora of choices for garden enthusiasts.

Growth and Care

Delphiniums thrive in cooler climates and require well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. These stunning plants need some attention and care, especially regarding staking and protection from strong winds. However, the reward of their breathtaking blooms is well worth the effort.

Down to it – Collecting the Seeds

Who doesn’t love Delphinium and wouldn’t want more, right? These wispy tall growers are a cottage garden essential, and once you plant them, their seed pods create opportunistic growth year after year. But what if you want to collect the delphinium seeds? The plant provides easily harvested seed pods and more than you could plant in any one season. Here is a quick guide to finding the seed pods and storing them.

• Look down the delphinium flower stalk. The pods will be right along the stalk, and they look like green beans that are slightly cracked open. When the pod turns brown and crispy, it will expose its treasure: the black seeds. The delphinium seeds look like little rocks, and are fairly hard if you roll them through your thumb and forefinger.

• Twist the pods off the stalk. Grab the pods and with a slick twist, pluck as many as you can off the main delphinium plant. I usually just roll it in my palm and crack the pods brittle shell. Then blow lightly to get rid of the chaff.
• Place the seeds in a paper envelope. A paper storage envelope is great for storage as it will allow any moisture to vent off as the seed dries.

If you are like me, you love surprises in the spring. I collect seeds for storage, but also get handfuls and sprinkle them around our property. In spring we are rewarded with delphinium blooms along our fence lines and throughout our garden :).

If you prefer a video, you can view our latest seed collection video here: Video on How to collect delphinium plant seeds