SOWING DELPHINIUM SEEDS | foolproof seed starting technique | FLOWER FARM VLOG | kitchen roll method

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This week I can't wait to share with you my new seed starting technique (originally discovered from local blooms flower farm). This method is SO easy and has been really successful for me in the last couple of weeks. I'm trying it with delphinium seeds initially but have also successfully germinated ALL KINDS of seeds e.g. basil, asters, zinnias, cosmos, phlox, gypsophila, lavender, scabious, ox eye daisies and more...
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Please get in touch if you have also had success with this method!
I am Sarah business owner & flower farmer @ Bloom & Gray. I'm looking forward to sharing videos with you about flower farming life.
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[@ms.farmgirl]

When I was going to University, I worked in a nursery & greenhouse for a couple years. We germinated all our plants. and to this very day I still use this method. I am very experienced as a farmer & grower. When I make my organic seeding germinating mix, I use,,, 1 gallon [3.78541 liter] fine ground peat moss [if it is too course grind it up in a blender] 1 pint [0.473 liter] coir 1/4 gallon/1 quart [ 0.946 litre ] worm castings 1/2 gallon/2 quarts [1.89271 liter] perlite or vermiculite [for drainage] Mix it up really well so it is totally incorporated fill flats [gardening trays] up 3/4ths of the way. Sprinkle the seeds in little rows.... Then use a strainer [regular kitchen hand strainer] and put the potting soil mix into a strainer and dust it over the top of the seeds until they are covered a little. Spray them down with water until damp. and put a transparent domed cover over them and put in a warm place. keep the soil slightly damp. NEVER SOAKED. Keep them covered until they are large enough to put put out in the gardens. Once they are all germinated up, transfer each of them into 3" pots, and put them in a larger tray and still keep them covered for a week or 2 before putting them where slugs could get to them. Spray the outer areas of your planting containers with some white vinegar. Slugs hate it. Works every single time. I have never had failures with my germinating mix.

[@dolsemiyano]

Woww this really means a lot to me as a beginner gardener 💯🥺 Thanks for the tips, wish you well in your future endeavours ❤

[@charonjimenez82]

I use the same method for my seedling just the difference are the vinegar and cover the seedling until one o two weeks and I have 100 % germination I germinate everything on record time and no waste soil, time, water and effort . Thank you for the new tips

[@monikel]

Thank you for for sharing this with us 💐

[@ohmikeodd]

I use coffee filters instead of paper towel and zip lock bags instead of Tupperware. Filters are strong and reusable and bags are a good space saver

[@dianegao9176]

I tried the same method with delphiniums. It takes 10 days to germinate. I am in zone 6. I was about to give up in the first week. Luckily I did not throw them away:-) Thank you for the sharing.

[@gregorynewman3422]

I tried her method and I tried putting seeds in the soil the way the packet instructs... her method worked really well almost all of the seeds germinated. The method the packet tells you to do didn’t work at all and none of those sprouted. Thank you!!!

[@gracieferguson1653]

I could never get mine to germinate. I’m go to try her method. It’s better than nothing

[@sebastianalcones8018]

​@@gracieferguson1653 It's 10 months already, any updates on your larkspurs? 😮

[@briansgardenandpolytunnel8172]

you are doing the right thing with your seeds. most people would throw away the seeds waiting to germinate. in truth, seeds producing different coloured flowers germinate at different rates. i use this system for vegetable seeds. it saves on gaps in the rows. lol..................brian

[@jenniferfitzgerald369]

Oh thank goodness!!! I've been trying to remember who and where I watched this amazing video on Delphiniums!!!! Yes!! Thank you so much for this awesome information!!!!

[@Nat-mk7gb]

Hi, found this video as I have been really struggling with growing delphiniums, plus difficulty keeping them alive. Will definitely try this method. Do you have any updates on how your plants have done after this? I could find any obvious updates on your channel perhaps you covered delphiniums in one of your farm tours? It would be really helpful :) thank you

[@methuselah72]

Hi found putting larger seeds under the kitchen roll works better as the seeds naturally grow downwards and can grow into the kitchen roll making it difficult to get off the roll. Just a thought

[@trevordickson8617]

Hi. I am in Australia, Tasmania at the moment. I grew a few delphiniums 20 odd years ago in Brisbane. I had a garden bed that had horse manure dug through it over several years. I was shocked how big they were when they bloomed. The flower spikes were well over 2 meters tall & with no exaggeration, I could just get my arms around each flower head. I have purchased some seeds, Pacific Giants + some specialty varieties, Sunny Skies, Cobalt Dreams & Blue-Jay Delphinium. I am going to give your germination idea a go as we are just heading into winter. Luckily here on the coast the winters are fairly mild & I want a head start. Will let you know what sort of results I get.

[@sciencetutor9960]

I have used this method for my Delphiniums and Lupins with great success really love your videos keep up the great videos of your hard work and great advice love your channel x❤

[@dianalemmer4865]

Thank you I will try this . Loved the way you are so gentle with the baby plants

[@um8778]

Just wanted to say, I tried everything to get mine to germinate, it always failed. Then I tried your technique and they've germinated in my plastic box! Thank you 😃

[@JufJannieDIY]

I'm also using this method (for 3 years now), but I begin early in the year, around februari. I wait with planting the seeds/seedlings until they have already sprouted out and are already standing upright. Then I carefully cut the toiletpaper out without damaging the roots en then plant it with the toiletpaper into it's own pot (I use self crafted empty toilet paper roll pots) then later at the end of april or in may, I plant the small plants including the toilet paper pot in the ground) so I don't disturb the roots. Then in the summer they bloom very nicely (anuals).

[@onicapopescu5342]

Hi Jannie, can you please let me know, if i should water spray when napkin gets dry?

[@JufJannieDIY]

@@onicapopescu5342 Yes, do not let the napkin get dry.

[@JenniferFitzgerald-i9p]

Tried this last year and wow!!! It worked wonders!! THANKS!!!!❤

[@toronto070]

Great Idea!!! I use this method for sunflower seeds with great success, and I just tried this with Delphinium seeds and a week later I have germination! I direct sowed some delphinium seeds and had luck with that too, but it takes longer to get germination than the paper towel method (I used a ziplock bag, and just left it out at room temperature, with the paper towel folded over the seeds inside the unzipped plastic bag. Thanks for this video!

[@danielleaf9146]

So you did not put it in a dark place?

[@toronto070]

​@@danielleaf9146Hello, its been 3 years so I don't really remember, but I wouldn't generally use a dark place with this method - I would leave it on a table that doesn't get a lot of sun. The seeds were inside a moist paper towel which was folded over and inside an open) zip lock bag, so I suspect that was dark enough.

[@TheJenfluff]

Definitely going to try this- never seem to have any luck with delphiniums. Thank you for the lovely videos and advice!

[@caseyannmuzzi7938]

Hello from California. I’m seeding now and found your video. I have never seated Delphinium, so this is going to be my first try. I just put them away in the container. So tomorrow night will be day 1. I’ll keep you posted on how I do.

[@sciencetutor9960]

Hi I tried it and it worked I ended up nine plants so far and going to try for lots more thanks for sharing x

[@judyrobinson2282]

Great tip! Going to try this!

[@Tea_and_thyme_2012]

Fabulous video. I did this method with Morning Glory seeds and it worked a treat. I never thought to do it with delphiniums, mine are in a pot covered with foil but not showing any sign of germination. Keep posting great videos they’re so straightforward and easy to follow.

[@danielearle8886]

Nice greenhouse.

[@littlenugs9942]

I use this method with other varieties of seed with great success. Ty for the video because I have struggled germinating Delphinium seeds

[@nicolejenkins-bauer2707]

This is so cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@alexh442]

Ooh...I'm going to try this with all sorts of seeds.

[@welfbolke8556]

Greetings from South Africa! I also use that method and it works wonders. Thanks for all the nice info you share with us all.

[@ioanacsjones934]

This method works! I’ve tried it!

[@jackiemullen5919]

It worked !! I have germination of a few as of today. Thank you so much !!

[@bloomandgray]

Hurray!! Think I may have to start some more this year

[@jackiemullen5919]

@@bloomandgray I’m curious and couldn’t find it online , what zone are you in ? I’m 7b on Long Island NY USA

[@bloomandgray]

I think I’m equivalent 8/9 we don’t really use zones in the uk

[@raffaelahusner6922]

I call this method "germinator" 🤣 - i've been doing this since years and I absolutlly love it.

[@itis4robin]

Great info, thanks!

[@catherinemix51]

thank you!! we are starting a dozen delphinium varieties using your method. I had the first pair of leaves spring up a week after I transplanted the rooted seeds. I am certain I have started them WAY too early, we're in zone 8 in Washington state and it's not yet Halloween. Do you have success growing the plants on in your unheated greenhouse?

[@lindab1458]

Hi Sarah. Ok, a year on, can I ask how your delphiniums are doing and are you still using this method? I’ve not had good luck with germination of delphinium so definitely going to try. 😀

[@bloomandgray]

Hi Linda, it worked well! I got the delphs to decent sized plants in pots but actually didn’t get round to planting them in the ground. I have just ordered some more seed so I’ll be doing this method again to start them 😁

[@lindab1458]

@@bloomandgray great 👍🏼 I’ll pick up some seeds at the weekend and give it a go 😀

[@maddad1972]

brilliant, never grown these before but definitely going to give it a go, thanks

[@karenm5681]

Cool! Gonna try this!

[@flowersbychallais]

Aahh!! Thank you 😊

[@silviosakuma1736]

Hi Sarah, the seeds that you keep in the kitchen box. do you keep them later in the fridge until they germinate?

[@Acottagedream]

Thank you for sharing. I am using your method & it is working well. One Question: When you put the sprouted seed in the seed potting mix in the tray, do you put the tray in the light or a dark place? Do you use a heat mat for your delphinium seedlings?

[@bloomandgray]

I put it in a light place aka the greenhouse. Protect them from frosts 🙂

[@Acottagedream]

@ Thank you for sharing

[@annetang5532]

Hello, I've got successful germination of Delphinium (and lavender) seeds in a jiffy starter kit using pelets. They are under a grow light. When should I remove the humidity dome: when they all sprouted or when they are a certain height? Thanks

[@alisonbassford7236]

Hi just watched your delphinum video. And was wondering now if 2023 how they did. And how you cared for them after, they started to sprout. I've grown some from seed. It's now June and have about 6 tiny stems , which j dont want to lose. Any advice greatly appreciated x

[@mclarenstables]

Found your channel searching for a delphinium tutorial. I will definitely give this a go. I just collected a few thousand from some I bought as plugs last year. How long have you been selling flowers and any tips for a newbie? Any good books you would recommend?

[@charmainepapworth9994]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIKlp2aFq9edbM0

[@achnix3167]

Find them super easy to propagate as it is... one of the seeds that always comes up

[@bloomandgray]

Really? Lucky you! 🌱

[@mimiassefa2230]

A huge Thankyou! for this tip, ive been trying to grow delphs for a few years with no success.I'm definitely going to to give your suggestion a go and let you know-fingers crossed!.All the best.

[@bloomandgray]

Wishing you all the best with this technique! My delphiniums are still growing away in the greenhouse in pots. One is flowering already and it’s gorgeous 😍

[@daiseegray9110]

I’m going to try this! Thanks 🌱

[@James.R25]

I did same method with my sweet peas..

[@chasjm21]

SP;s don't need to be in the dark.

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

Have you tried using a bit of cold stratification on them first?

[@Liomy2023]

Delphiniums are super easy to grow

[@conxita99]

I have Mr fothergilll delphiniums. if I tried some like this and stores them in dark place can you tell me the temperature that is best?

[@conxita99]

if I try this with foxgloves, craspedia globosa.. cerinthe sweet pea and Holly Hock.. where do I store them in, a light or dark place... and what temperature.

[@bloomandgray]

Hey I would take advice from the seed packets for those.. if it says they need light to germinate then allow them to have it. Seed packets will also give you germination temperature 🤞🏻

[@mindydiaz9015]

I can confirm the hollyhock. Do it in light I put them on a heat pad. Hollyhock this way germinate in one day. I have over 100 now idk what I'm going to with all of them. I guess give them away for Christmas 😂

[@chasjm21]

SP's are ok in light.

[@thewizardoftod]

Thank you

[@michelleperera5885]

this was so helpful thanks :)

[@daiseegray9110]

I have several delphiniums that started using this method. I’m assuming when you plant them in the soil you are leaving them in the greenhouse light to grow not covering them to grow in darkness?

[@bloomandgray]

Yes once they’ve germinated they can have the light!

[@tinasterry5651]

Great video, thank you. Did you have holes on the bottom and top of your containers or were they totally sealed. Thank you

[@bloomandgray]

Totally sealed 😁

[@tinasterry5651]

Many thanks, definitely going to try 🙂

Hi, can you please share what exactly it was that made your homemade seed compost toxic to seeds? I'd like to make my own mix, but want to avoid the source of failure that you experienced. Thanks.

[@bloomandgray]

Tomás Dietz I think it was because I used compost that I bought in by the ton rather than a proprietary seed compost. It was too high in nutrients and toxic to the seedlings. Hope that helps

@@bloomandgray Thanks, I used to use coconut coir 'peat' but my seeds wouldn't germinate. At the time I suspected the coir had a toxic effect, but now I think I might just have been not a very good gardener. 😢

[@hmh3808]

Most seeds don’t need nutrients they need a neutral mix that is sterile without bacterial activity which is why we use Peat perlite and vermiculite...The nutrients come from the seed itself... after the first set of Cotyledon leaves, THEN they can use some food! Once this info was passed on to me by an experienced Gardener and I learned about stratification and germination temperatures, I haven’t really had any more problems, so hopefully this will help someone else too!

[@kelseycatherine]

Would this method work for hollyhocks and cosmos?

[@grahamthomas411]

Hope all gets better 2021 what time of year did you sow please thanks for your time 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Feb ! March !

[@bloomandgray]

Hi I sowed these in June but I would probably sow from March onwards

[@alexgregory46]

This worked a treat. Most of our seeds have sprouted and are now in seed pots 👍🏻 do you think you could use this method to replace cold stratification for lavender seeds? The french and English lavender seeds we have got say to put them in the fridge for 30 days but just wondering if you think this method would work instead?

[@ashp3798]

I did mine just like you said but it got Mouldy. What did I do wrong?

[@onicapopescu5342]

Do you water in between?

[@FollowingAmanda]

I wonder if this will work for germinating vegetable seeds. I’ve not had much luck with my tomatoes or peppers. I don’t have a greenhouse. Would you imagine i could keep them in the cosy hot press even though there’s no light there? It needs to be warm for them to grow apparently.

[@mariagiurca8230]

Hi, Amanda, i tried this method with both bell peppers, as well as habaneros and it worked great!

[@Ellofez]

Careful with using tap water I use distilled water mix with a cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every gallon of water .

[@Ellofez]

The 3% hydrogen peroxide helps it from going bad killing bacteria and from mold spores.

[@fixxxer_ki]

hi, I used this method last year with several seeds I am usually failed. the reason is still unclear for me but I have one specific problem and that is black mold on toilet paper which appears specially if I put the container in dark places like the one Delphinium requires. I used a fungicide but no success in killing mold plus afraid it damages seeds germination. Any advice is highly appreciated. thanks

[@jessicarae07]

Same. I just started mine 5 days ago and there's these little black dots with fuzz so I'm guessing mold 😩

[@fixxxer_ki]

@@jessicarae07 Hi Jessica. After some trial & errors, I finally managed to make these delphiniums sprouted. All you need is to apply a little spray of a general fungicide, or Mancozeb also works fine. Just mix half a tablespoon in 1 lit water and spray it on your paper towel. Don't worry about seeds. These fungicides didn't affect on seed germination. You probably get again mold but much less. This year I finally managed to germinate 10 delphiniums, but all died except 2. The reason was even young plants are susceptible to molds too. Therefore, after you see roots in your seeds, you need to transfer them in small containers. First fill it with a mix of compost +coco peat + Perlite. Spray the container with a boiled water, Then Put a layer of vermiculite + coco peat underneath as a bed for your seeds, put the seeds on top and then cover them with just vermiculite or Pumice. This link (delphinium.co.nz/pages/growing-delphiniums) helped me too. Hope you can get a success in your gardening journey too :)

[@Annoflacrosse]

Well aren’t you a beauty with your wavy hair! I was was just heading downstairs to plant delphinium seeds for the first time. Thanks to your video I’ll try your method instead.

[@dorothyandrews8872]

I am curious about your own home made seed mix, what do you think was wrong with it. so if any of us are trying to make our own we know not to do what you did

[@williamlaine2116]

A gardening friend who specializes in flowers warned me that delphinium are quite toxic, so that I should plant them where my dog can't reach them & wash my hands if I touch them.

[@audreysweeney5338]

Did you keep them in the dark?

[@o77o5on]

Because delphiniums are so finicky, you didn't mention what kind of location you placed the tray. Did it have to go back in the dark, in the sun, did you have to cover them with plastic so it acted like a mini greenhouse? For those who aren't as savvy, we need a bit more step by step direction.

[@bisaya2]

at 5:11 she mentioned to place the setup in a dark, warm place for germination

[@audreysweeney5338]

What temperature do you leave them in?

[@astrologymemphis]

My seeds have been in the closet for 7 weeks now. Guess I'll throw them out.

[@reginajungco]

Hi SArah? how's your delphinium today? MARCH 1, 2021?

[@bloomandgray]

Hi Regina, I gave an update on the Delphinums last week on my daily vlogs, they’ve been in the greenhouse over winter and are just starting to shoot up again. I will plant them out soon in the field

[@صفامحمد-ع2ذ]

Which month can I seed this flowers?

[@ashp3798]

4:05 save your time

[@conxita99]

what month should I do this with delphinium seeds ... foxglove, .... craspedia globosa ... Holly Hock .... cerrinthe

[@svria1742]

Hiii! i heard delphiniums are poisonous. is it true? :)

[@lolodee3528]

Foxglove is. I am unsure of delphinium

[@JohnSmith-fq7hj]

Well I got the seeds germinated but now I swear they just got stuck I can't remember exactly when I planted them but they all seem to have stopped growing anyone else have this or am I just impatient lol?

[@ugtitto2654]

5:12 could you define warm, please?

[@bloomandgray]

I kept them in my kitchen.. 20 ish degrees?

[@greenedyfrio338]

I Sarah. I wish you well during this new " normal". Like always, i like to see your videos on youtube, they give me inspiration and ideas for new projects. Far from me try demotivate you from your goal and i know fail and test its part of the curve line of learning. Stay away of that "way" of germination. It is very good, but not for flower farmers. Gone consume to mutch of your precious time. That germination is good to do as a hobbionist like me not a pro like you.

[@bloomandgray]

Hello! The video that i originally got this idea from was made by another flower farmer who processes 10’s of thousands of seeds this way. They way I see it is that I am basically repeating the same action as it would take for me to sow the seed into the compost in the first place anyway. It also allows me to be sure that my seed trays are full and therefore my field beds are full and I am not wasting compost on seeds that will not ever appear. Thanks so much for your comment, Sarah.

[@greenedyfrio338]

Thanks to answer to my coment. As i sayed Sarah, i am not the pro here, you are. My coment was based on my expirience (hobbie) and trying do 20 good germination (seedlings) a week plus succecion planting every 2 weeks. And this with just one varietie or plant. Don't let my silly coment put you down. But when you are at the top of the season, harvesting, deadheading, cheking for desieses and bugs, digging, transplanting, boiling or burning stems, washing bukets for harvesting next morning or night and selling flowers and lots of others every day chores you gone wish the days have 28h plus nights. But, if works for you, good.

[@TonyCuckson]

Easier to dampen a match head rather than fiddle about with tweezers.

[@imogenbegns]

The background music is distracting. Good video though.

[@olniku777]

Save 4 minutes. Video starts from then

[@sunnybizz4857]

for those who speak proper english😊, "kitchen roll" = paper towel.

[@snezanasavic4421]

Prevedi na Srbski

[@mrs8792]

It didn’t play???

[@suzyq3225]

Kitchen roll? Do you mean paper towels?

[@tomaaron6187]

Clicked off…get to the point!!

[@HummingbirdButterfly]

Too much superfluous information. Just get on with the how to part. Not interested in whether wedding got postponed due to the pandemic. That’s got nothing to do with what I need to learn about how to plant seeds. Thanks

[@dennistaft7868]

should have just started in the tray of dirt from go.

[@HummingbirdButterfly]

Please tell us what seed compost is. I have to say that this video is quite frustrating to watch. The info we need you don’t give and the info we don’t need you do give. Big fail.

[@bloomandgray]

Well you have the option to not watch it too!!