Larkspur ‘Giant Imperial Blue Bell’
Consolida ajacis (previously classified as Delphinium consolida)
Description
This is one of the prettiest varieties, with a range of flower shapes and colors ranging from the softest periwinkle-blue to lavender and gray-green. It has a smoky quality and is very tall and versatile, one of my longest-standing favorites. One of the easiest cut flowers to grow, larkspur is cold-tolerant and early to bloom, adding tall, colorful spikes to spring gardens. Great in early season mixed bouquets, these versatile flowers can also be dried for later use.
Please note: All parts of larkspur are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Plants do best when sown directly into the garden. Direct-seed in late fall or early spring or start seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost and transplant out while the weather is still cool. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. Cold-tolerant, larkspur can be planted in the fall in even the coldest corners of the world.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when one-third of the blossoms are open on a stem. Larkspur is extremely ethylene sensitive; keep it away from ripening fruit. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days. To dry, let all but the top 3 to 4 blooms open, then pick and hang upside down in a warm, dark place out of bright light for 2 weeks.
Details
Description
This is one of the prettiest varieties, with a range of flower shapes and colors ranging from the softest periwinkle-blue to lavender and gray-green. It has a smoky quality and is very tall and versatile, one of my longest-standing favorites. One of the easiest cut flowers to grow, larkspur is cold-tolerant and early to bloom, adding tall, colorful spikes to spring gardens. Great in early season mixed bouquets, these versatile flowers can also be dried for later use.
Please note: All parts of larkspur are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.
Details
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Plants do best when sown directly into the garden. Direct-seed in late fall or early spring or start seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost and transplant out while the weather is still cool. Seed can be tricky to start indoors, so pop seeds into the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to speed up germination. Cold-tolerant, larkspur can be planted in the fall in even the coldest corners of the world.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when one-third of the blossoms are open on a stem. Larkspur is extremely ethylene sensitive; keep it away from ripening fruit. Expect a vase life of 5 to 7 days. To dry, let all but the top 3 to 4 blooms open, then pick and hang upside down in a warm, dark place out of bright light for 2 weeks.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Seed-Saving Mini Course
Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia
In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.
