| Common Name | Larkspur, Delphinium consolida |
| Genus | Consolida |
| Species | C. regalis |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Life Cycle | Hardy Annual |
| Tray Size | 210 |
| Plug Care | Larkspur do not tolerate root disturbances and will bloom prematurely if stressed or rootbound in the plug stage. Harden off and plant out as soon as you receive the plugs. |
| Netting / Staking | Generally not necessary but one or two layers of netting could be beneficial in windy areas. |
| Temperature Range | Larkspur prefer cool weather and don't tolerate heat well. It can be grown as an annual in zones 2-11 but planting times vary depending on zone. Most zones should plant in the fall for blooms the following spring, but in the coldest zones, plugs can be planted early spring when the ground is workable. |
| Spacing | 6" |
| Soil Preference | Larkspur will grow in most soil types but performs best in well draining soil high in organic matter. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil is best. Amend soil with compost or pelleted fertilizer prior to planting for optimal results. |
| Day Length | Long-day plants. Plant in full sun. |
| Pinching | Not necessary. |
| When to Plant | In warmer zones, plant plugs in the early autumn to give the plants some time to get established before the winter hits. Plants will remain in the vegetative state and will bloom early the following season. In colder zones or in areas with a long, cool spring, plugs can be planted in early spring when the ground is workable - about 6-8 weeks before last frost. Young larkspur plants tolerate frost well. Fall plantings generally yield the tallest, most robust stems. |
| Harvesting | Harvest the inflorescence when the bottom 3-4 flowers have opened. Buds will continue to open in the vase. Side shoots will yield shorter stems, the entire plant can also be harvested in one cut depending on the size of the plant. For drying purposes, harvest when all the flowers on the stem are open but before the petals begin to drop. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water if the flower is to be used fresh. Expect a vase life of 5-7 days - the use of a floral preservative will maximize vase life. Larkspur flowers are extremely sensitive to ethylene gas. To dry, simply hang upside down in a warm, well ventilated area out of direct sunlight. |
| Diseases / Insects | Larkspur are quite robust during colder temperatures and rarely succumb to disease pressure. Watch for aphids. Larkspur will start to decline in health when the temperature rises in summer. |
| Bailey's Notes | If left to go to seed, larkspur will readily self sow in the summer time for blooms the following spring. To avoid volunteer larkspur popping up in all your beds, simply cut down and compost the plants before they go to seed. |
| Resources | NA |
