Larkspur ‘Giant Imperial Blue Spire’
Consolida ajacis (previously classified as Delphinium consolida)
Description
Striking dark grape-purple blooms are backed by cobalt petals. This very versatile color works well with jewel tones, primary colors, and other shades of blue. 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
Striking dark grape-purple blooms are backed by cobalt petals. This very versatile color works well with jewel tones, primary colors, and other shades of blue. 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
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
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.
