Gaia

Delphinium elatum.

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From seed to harvest

Open-pollinated
Common nameMagic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee delphinium.
FamilyRanunculaceae.
GenusDelphinium
Specieselatum.
CultivarMagic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee
TypeOpen-pollinated seeds.
Botanical nameDelphinium elatum.
Reproducible seedsYes
Quantity per packetApproximately 10 seeds

'Magic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee' Delphinium Seeds (Delphinium elatum). a Delphinium elatum selection, carries lilac-pink spikes with white centres. Upright flower stems add a vertical line to borders and cut-flower arrangements. Benary lists an average height of approximately 105 cm (41 in.) and describes this perennial as capable of flowering in its first year without vernalization. The pale centres give each flower definition within a soft colour palette. Gaia offers approximately 10 seeds per packet; organic certification is not confirmed for this lot. For practical seed starting, growing from seed succeeds best when the verified product depth, moisture and temperature guidance is followed.

Start seeds indoors eight to ten weeks before the expected last frost, following Gaia’s directions. The supplier recommends three weeks of cold treatment for these seeds. Use a fine, well-drained medium and maintain consistent moisture. Gaia lists germination at 15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F), with an optimum of 18°C (64°F). Transplant young seedlings carefully and harden them off before planting. Provide fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade and avoid sites exposed to strong wind. Use the product details as a clear guide on how to start seeds while keeping the growing medium evenly moist, never saturated. For indoor seed starting, count back from local conditions and frost dates to decide when to start indoor seeds.

Place this delphinium behind lower plants so the spikes remain visible and stems are easy to reach for bouquets. Cut flower stems in the morning and place them promptly in fresh water in a clean vase. In the garden, remove spent blooms without needlessly cutting healthy foliage. Check supports regularly in windy locations. Every part of delphinium is toxic if swallowed, so never use the flowers as food decoration. Wear gloves, clean tools after use and keep seeds and prunings away from children and animals.

Light and life cycle

In the garden

Exposure
Full sun to partial shade.
Life cycle
Perennial.
Hardiness
3b à 7b selon Benary.
Sowing and germination

Sowing guide

Sowing & germination

Sowing depth

Approximately 0.3 cm (0.12 in.).

Spacing / density

45 to 60 cm (17.7 to 23.6 in.) between plants.

Germination temperature

18 to 20 °C (64.4 to 68 °F).

Germination time

Variable depending on the lot. Gaia indicates 21 to 30 days at 18 to 20 °C.

Sowing period

Start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting. Sow in fine, well-drained mix, cover lightly with vermiculite and maintain 18 to 20 °C with even moisture. Gaia recommends three weeks of cold stratification for this lot; follow the packet directions.

Propagation

By seed; isolate plants if saving seed to preserve varietal purity.

Cold stratification

Yes

Growing method

Germination time can vary with seed freshness and conditions. Keep the sowing medium evenly moist at the stated temperature, then provide bright light after emergence. Transplant seedlings once they have true leaves, handling the roots carefully. Space plants about 45 to 60 cm apart so clumps can develop. Keep the crown at soil level and never leave it standing in water. Provide unobtrusive support where wind may bend the flower spikes. Water slowly at soil level whenever the surface begins to dry. Flower seed starting works best with even moisture, the recommended temperature and bright light after emergence. This seed starting sequence supports reliable growing from seed while preserving the product-specific depth and temperature facts.
Soil and care

Soil and care

Soil & care

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral soil.

Moisture

Evenly moist soil with no standing water.

Minimum temperature

Protect young plants from late frosts.

Care level

Moderate.

Watering

Check container-grown plants more often in hot weather. Avoid needlessly wetting foliage in the evening and never leave the container standing in a full saucer. Adjust watering to rain, wind and soil texture rather than a fixed schedule.

Soil type

Choose loose, well-drained soil amended with finished compost. It should hold adequate moisture while allowing air around the roots. Loosen the bed and remove weeds before sowing. In containers, use quality potting mix and several drainage holes. Avoid fresh manure and sites where water lingers after rain.

Fertilization

Amend the soil with finished compost before planting. In containers, a moderate application of balanced fertilizer can support growth as potting-mix nutrients decline. Follow label rates and never fertilize a dry root ball. Check light and moisture first, because extra fertilizer will not correct low light or overwatering.

Seasonal care

In spring, watch new shoots for slugs, apply compost and install supports before stems lengthen. Water at soil level during summer drought and remove spent spikes without cutting all foliage. Watch for powdery mildew and improve air circulation in dense clumps. In fall, remove dry stems while wearing gloves and prevent standing water at the crown. Protect roots carefully when overwintering the plant in a container.
Growing in containers

Container growing

Container growing

Recommended pot size

20 to 30 L minimum, one plant per container.
Use a deep, stable container of at least 20 to 30 L filled with rich, well-drained potting mix. Place it in gentle sun and shelter the flower spikes from strong wind. A container exposes roots to colder winter temperatures than the ground, so provide protection appropriate to the region or transplant the delphinium to the garden. Stake when needed and wear gloves when removing spent flowers.
Growth and harvest

Size, flowering & harvest

Mature height

About 105 cm (41 in.).

Width / spread

45 to 60 cm (17.7 to 23.6 in).

Flower color

Pink lilac with white centre.

Foliage color

Green.

Foliage type

Herbaceous, usually deciduous in cold climates.

Growth rate

Varies with warmth, light and growth stage.

Growth habit

Upright, clump-forming flower spikes.

Bloom period

The ears bear pink lilac flowers whose white centre forms a delicate contrast. This perennial can bloom in the first year if the seedlings are quite early and the conditions favorable. It offers a beautiful vertical presence in the massifs and bouquets. The removal of wilted stems can encourage new flowering, without guaranteeing an identical rise in all situations.

Fruiting

Seed production after flowering; no proposed food fruit harvest.

Days to maturity

Flowering possible in the first year with early planting.

Harvest

For bouquets, cut the stems at the beginning of opening the flowers, preferably in the morning, with a clean tool. Place them immediately in fresh water and remove the leaves that would be immersed. In the garden, remove the faded stems by keeping the base foliage. All parts of the Delphinium are toxic by ingestion: never use them as a food topping and keep prunings out of animal reach.
Garden companions

Garden associations

Companion plants & uses

Companion plants

Choose companion plants with similar light and moisture requirements, leaving enough space for airflow, weeding and access to the flower spikes. A diverse border can support beneficial insects but does not guarantee pest protection. Avoid aggressive plants that could smother young delphiniums or dry out their root zone.

Plants to avoid

There is no universal list of enemy plants. Avoid overcrowding, aggressive competitors and neighbours with incompatible watering needs.

Garden use

Delphinium is not edible; all parts are toxic if ingested. Use flower stems only in decorative bouquets kept away from food, children and animals. Cut stems with a clean tool, remove submerged leaves, refresh the vase water and wash hands after handling. Do not reuse a container holding plant residue for food preparation.

Wildlife and pets

Wildlife & precautions

Reported toxicity

Yes

Supporting wildlife

Flowers can be visited by bees and other pollinating insects. Preserve some of the flowers and avoid treatments on open flowers. A variety of species with staggered blooms offers resources over a longer period.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How many 'Magic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee' Delphinium seeds are in the packet?
The Gaia packet contains approximately 10 seeds. Store unused Magic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee delphinium seed in its labelled packet in a cool, dry, dark place.
How long do 'Magic Fountains Lilac Pink White Bee' Delphinium seeds take to germinate?
Emergence generally takes 21 to 30 days, depending on the lot at 18 to 20 °C (64.4 to 68 °F). Keep the growing medium evenly moist but never waterlogged, and provide bright light as soon as seedlings emerge. When growing from seed, keep conditions stable for the full stated germination window before disturbing the mix.

Seed-starting essentials

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