Doubtful Knight's-Spur
Delphinium ajacis
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, China, Corse, East Aegean Is., France, Greece, Iran, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Vietnam
Didier Descouens
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Delphinium
- Species:
- Delphinium ajacis
- USDA Symbol:
- COAJ
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, pink, white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 14–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best after cold stratification for 2-4 weeks at 4°C.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.