These Breathtaking Blue Blooms Are 2026’s Flower of the Year – and They’re Surprisingly Easy to Grow From Seed

It has been decreed: delphiniums are 2026’s It Flower. And I approve wholeheartedly. There’s something magical about true blue flowers – probably because blue is the rarest color in the plant world – and they lend an unmistakably otherworldly edge to gardens. While delphiniums are available in a range of other hues, including purple, pink, white, red, and yellow, it’s the blue varieties that remain the most iconic and consistently in demand.

It’s not just their vibrant colors that make growing delphiniums so appealing – their height alone gives them an unforgettable presence in the garden. These towering beauties can stretch to 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4m) or more, making them true back-of-the-border heroes. Yet they’re not overly heavy; their tapering spires add an elegant softness to their dramatic scale. The nectar-rich blooms are also adored by pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

According to Mallory Green, head floral designer at 1-800-Flowers.com – the brand championing this year’s flower – delphiniums are “nature’s exclamation point.” She adds: “There is a quiet strength in delphinium. It rises – but it rises gently. People are responding to that energy right now."

What Delphiniums Represent

“Delphinium stems are tall, bold, and full of intention,” Mallory says. “There is something grounding about its blues. They remind me of calm oceans and clear skies. But the height gives a sense of momentum and encouragement. It’s rare for a flower to bring both peace and purpose.”

In general, these enchanting flowers are seen as symbols of positivity, joy, and an open heart. Yet their blue tones add a sense of serenity, tempering any excessive energy with calm.

As well as elevating garden borders, delphiniums make excellent cut flowers and are prized by florists for their ability to add height and architectural drama to arrangements. When properly cared for, they can last around 7–12 days in a vase.

Growing Delphiniums From Seed

Sure, you can pick up delphinium plants from the garden center, but they’re also quite easy to grow from seed. If you start early enough, they can often flower in their first year.

It's a good idea to soak seeds before planting to speed things up. Sow seeds in early spring or late summer on the surface of moist, free-draining compost, then lightly cover them, as they need darkness to germinate. Delphiniums hate their roots to be disturbed, so start them in individual biodegradable seed pots – like these Dalzom ones from Amazon.

Keep pots cool – around 50–60°F (10–15°C) – and evenly moist, and seed germination should occur within two to three weeks. Then, plant them out once the risk of frost has passed.

Bear in mind that delphiniums are short-lived perennials, typically lasting around 2–5 years.

Delphinium Top Picks

More True Blue Flowers

If you’ve been entranced by the beauty of blue delphiniums, here are some other true blue flowers you can add to your garden:

• Bachelor button produces vivid blue, thistle-like blooms on wiry stems and is an easy annual to grow from seed.
• Brunnera is prized for its heart-shaped leaves and sprays of small, true-blue flowers that thrive in early-spring shade.
• Forget-me-nots are beloved for their tiny sky-blue flowers that appear in spring and readily self-seed in gardens.
• Grape hyacinth features dense clusters of deep blue, bell-shaped flowers that return reliably each spring.
• Himalayan blue poppy is famed for its rare, luminous blue flowers and thrives in cool, moist conditions with dappled shade.
• Nigella ‘love-in-a-mist’ bears delicate blue flowers surrounded by fine, feathery foliage and attractive seed pods.
• Sea holly stands out with spiky, steel-blue flowers and silvery foliage, thriving in sunny, dry conditions.
• Veronica offers upright or spreading spikes of clear blue flowers that bloom over a long summer season.