Larkspur ‘Earl Grey’

Consolida ajacis (previously classified as Delphinium consolida)

Features

  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Medium producer
  • Toxic

Description

This incredibly unique heirloom variety has been a spring cutting garden staple for a long time. Its giant flower spikes are smothered in the most exquisite dusty metallic purple-gray petals that are like nothing else on the market. Florists fight over it, gardeners love it, and there never seems to be enough to go around. A must-grow!

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

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 incredibly unique heirloom variety has been a spring cutting garden staple for a long time. Its giant flower spikes are smothered in the most exquisite dusty metallic purple-gray petals that are like nothing else on the market. Florists fight over it, gardeners love it, and there never seems to be enough to go around. A must-grow!

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

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

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.