Larkspur Seeds

Larkspur (Consolida ajacis, long sold as Delphinium consolida) is one of the most graceful cool-season annuals you can grow. In the buttercup family, it sends up tall, slender spikes densely packed with airy florets in soft blue, pink, purple and crisp white. The long, straight stems make it a classic cut flower that brings cottage-garden charm to any vase, and its cool, jewel-like colours stand out beautifully in a spring border.

Planting

Larkspur dislikes being moved, so direct-sow it where it will grow. In Egypt sow in autumn, roughly late October through December, as a winter annual. Place seed about 0.6 to 1 cm deep and cover it well, since the seed needs darkness to sprout. It germinates in about 14 to 21 days when the soil stays cool, near 13 C; warm soil gives poor results. Thin seedlings while small to about 10 to 15 cm apart for cutting, or 20 to 30 cm in beds. Choose full sun and well-drained, fertile loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.

Fertilizing

Larkspur needs little feeding, and too much nitrogen pushes leaves instead of flowers. In poor soil, work compost into the top few centimetres at planting, or apply a balanced low-nitrogen granular feed such as 10-10-10 once when seedlings reach about 8 to 15 cm. Stop feeding once buds form.

Care

Keep the root zone evenly moist, letting the top 2.5 cm dry slightly between waterings, and water at the base to avoid disease. Watch for aphids, spider mites, slugs, snails and powdery mildew; good airflow helps. Tall stems of 90 to 120 cm usually need support. Cut spikes when a few florets open; vase life is about 5 to 7 days. All parts are poisonous, so handle seed carefully and keep it away from children.