Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

1 rating

Sunday - September 02, 2007

From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Germination and propagation of Carolina larkspur
Answered by: Damon Waitt

QUESTION:

I have some Delphinium carolinianum seeds and I am looking to germinate and propagate them. I threw some out on my caliche rubble Four years ago,and got one to germinate four years later. What time of year? Do I scarify them? Should I plant them in a friendlier place. I here that they are perennial unlike other larkspurs. Is that true? I am also looking for the same info on Blue Gilia.

ANSWER:

Your Delphinium carolinianum (Carolina larkspur) seeds will do best if sown in spring or early fall. According to the propagation protocol published by the Native Plants Network, Carolina larkspur seeds exhibit morphological dormancy or a need for embryos to grow a species-specific length before germination can take place. Stratification (cold storage) is the main requirement for overcoming this kind of dormancy. Try storing your seeds in a paper bag (plastic bags promote moisture and fungus) for 1-2 months in the fridge at 33-38 degrees F. Then, either germinate your seeds on a moist paper towel and transplant later or sow them onto your site making sure you have good soi/seed contact. And, yes, it is a perennial.