Larkspur ‘Earl Grey’
Consolida ajacis (previously classified as Delphinium consolida)
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
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
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
Fall Mini Course
Learn how to successfully dig, divide & store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn how and when to dig up your dahlia tuber clumps, how to divide dahlias to multiply your stock, and how to successfully store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year.
