The Stunning Flower You Can Winter-Sow To Get A Head Start On Your Spring Garden

The sight of barren, snow-covered flower beds can have you impatiently drumming your fingers as you wait for spring to arrive. Climate change notwithstanding, there's not much we can do to hasten the arrival of the growing season. But we can use the cold to our advantage by sowing seeds that love a good chill before sprouting. Delphinium is one of these special plants that benefit from seed stratification. Their sprays of deep purple, azure, or pink blossoms burst forth from their seeds more reliably after a cold spell.

You might know delphinium by other names, like larkspur or staggerweed. The genus (Delphinium) is made up of over 500 species, including annuals, biennials, and perennials that attract hummingbirds and bees in droves. No matter the moniker or make, these flowering spikes or cones make a dazzling addition to your floral chorus after the seeds overwinter outdoors.

However beautiful the blooms are, delphinium is a plant you may not want to add to your garden. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous if eaten, so if you have pets or young children who like to snack on growing things, you may want to give delphinium a miss.

These gorgeous plants that reach near NBA player heights (up to 7 feet) can get a head-start on the growing season this winter right in your frozen flower beds. Do note that delphinium grows best in cooler climates, from USDA Hardiness zones 3 to 7, all of which experience periods with temperatures at or below freezing in winter. When you can still expect frosts in late winter or early spring, scout out a spot in your garden with full or partial sun exposure and well-draining soil.

Work some compost into the top few inches of the soil. If your soil is heavy, you may also want to add a bit of sand to improve drainage. Given delphinium's gargantuan heights, scatter the seeds along the back edge of your flower bed so they will make a striking backdrop for other flowers. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil, give them a bit of water, and let nature run its course. Your delphinium should make an appearance once outdoor temperatures reach between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.