The past two years on the Beeb boards there were some enquiries concerning problems getting these two species to germinate promptly. I get the impression that people are getting impatient to start sowing so I would like to repeat the tips that I have received concerning them and that have worked for me.
For parsley seeds:- Bring a small quantity of water to a boil, then pour it over the seeds (carrying it out to my greenhouse allowed it to cool sufficently that the seeds didn't get cooked). Leave for a day. Sow as normal.
For delphiniums:- Put the seeds, in the seed packet, in a freezer for 3 weeks. Then sow as normal.