J, check the comparison table from Dowdeswells (the delph experts :)), they really don't need the dark. And if they did, you'd have to provide light immediately with germination so using dark containers would cause some issues there....Just sow as normal, I've raised them from seed several times sown both indoors and out - no dark.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dowdeswells notes on darkness

I wintersowed delphs this year the normal way and ended up with about 500 seedlings. They are about 6-8 inches tall now and healthy. I also tossed a few pinches of seeds onto the ground in february where there was no snow and they're growing like crazy! The ones direct sowed are bushier and a few inches taller.

I can't get them to sprout? I've tried different companies for seeds. I give up. Best of luck to you!

I tried them for the first time this year. I got sprouts, but something munched on them in the container. I did plant them out, and they seem to be trying to make a come-back. I also bought one more mature plant to see if I'd have better luck. That one seems to be a periodic snack for some critter as well, but it's still alive. I'll keep my fingers crossed, plus I've got lots of Larkspur sprouts scattered around the yard. I think I'll just keep throwing Larkspur seeds around and see where they grow best and enjoy them.

Martha

I agree, Ive done this a few times, regular wintersowing worked for me..

Heck I just got my seeds from Home Depot I think.

Had a few come back from WS last year in my whiskey barrels. Some sort of moth cats kept eating them. I was on top of it tho, once I found the first one.