Planting and Caring for Larkspur
A real eye-catcher thanks to tall growth & strong colours
Initially, the annual larkspur (Delphinium consolida) didn’t do so well in my garden. The secret is: it really needs moisture, if the location is too dry it remains small and puny or doesn’t grow at all. But if the conditions are right, the most delicate flowers appear in beautiful, subtle colours. I love it in lavender pink and silvery purple. The colour is also well preserved when used as a dried flower.
THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTS IN BRIEF
- Cool flower (cold stratification)
- annual cut flower
- sowing outside from autumn or in early spring
- extending the flowering period through subsequent sowing
- sunny or partial-shaded location
- moist & nutrient-rich soil
- regular pruning stimulates bud formation
- suitable for beds, tubs and pots
- insect pasture
Sowing larkspur
Larkspur belongs to the cool flowers, the hardy annuals. They are absolutely insensitive to cold and frost.
The seeds can therefore be sown outdoors as soon as autumn arrives or in early spring. Alternatively, you can pre-grow the annual delphinium indoors between February and April. You can speed up germination by placing the seeds in the fridge a week before sowing, as cool flowers need the cold stimulus.
For a particularly long flowering period, it is worth reseeding. Larkspur is a dark germinator. So plant the seeds approx. 1 cm deep in the soil. The ideal germination temperature is approx. 12-14 °C. You will be able to enjoy the first seedlings after approx. 12-17 days.
It takes around 110-120 days from sowing to flowering.
Site & soil
Larkspur enchants with its tall, stately growth and strong colours and is a real eye-catcher.
Larkspur loves the sun at its tips, whereas the soil and roots benefit from some shade. A sandy-clayey soil that is sufficiently supplied with nutrients is the ideal home for the annual delphinium. The soil should always be kept slightly moist. You should leave a space of about 30 cm between the plants.
Caring for larkspur
As larkspur loves moisture, you should water them regularly, especially while they are still growing. However, you should avoid waterlogging at all costs. Also provide the plants with a high-quality organic fertiliser every 14 days. Due to its long stems, it is advisable to support it slightly. By regularly cutting off faded buds, you stimulate bud formation and thus prolong the flowering period.
Cutting larkspur for the vase
You can harvest larkspur when the first lower flowers begin to open. However, the delphinium is very considerate and tolerates a later cutting time. It is best harvested directly in the early morning hours when the temperatures are still a little cooler. The vase life is about 8 days.
Larkspur is also ideal for drying. This way you can enjoy it indefinitely.
