Larkspur ‘White Cloud’

Consolida regalis

Features

  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Medium producer
  • Toxic

Description

Each ferny stem explodes into a spray of delicate white, orchid-like blooms. This hardworking filler adds a lovely country charm—move over, baby’s breath! Great for mixed bouquets and arrangements, you’ll want loads of this variety so be sure to succession plant.

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

Each ferny stem explodes into a spray of delicate white, orchid-like blooms. This hardworking filler adds a lovely country charm—move over, baby’s breath! Great for mixed bouquets and arrangements, you’ll want loads of this variety so be sure to succession plant.

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

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.