Larkspur Flower Seeds 2g

Annual larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is a graceful cool-season member of the buttercup family, prized for its tall, slender spikes packed with delicate florets in shades of blue, pink, purple and white. It is one of the most popular cottage-garden cut flowers, bringing height and soft colour to borders and bouquets alike. Note that all parts of the plant are poisonous, so handle the seed with care and keep it away from children and livestock.

Planting

Direct-sow where the plants are to grow, since larkspur dislikes transplanting. In Egypt, sow in autumn, ideally November to December, as a winter annual. Cover the seed about 0.6 to 1 cm deep, as it needs darkness to germinate. Seed sprouts in roughly 14 to 21 days when the soil is cool, near 13 C; warmer soil gives poor results. Grow in full sun in well-drained, fertile loam, thinning seedlings to about 10 to 15 cm apart for cut flowers or 20 to 30 cm in the garden.

Fertilizing

Larkspur needs little feeding, and excess nitrogen encourages leaves at the expense of flowers. In poor soil, work compost into the top few centimetres before sowing, or apply a balanced, low-to-moderate nitrogen granular feed once when seedlings reach about 8 to 15 cm tall. Stop feeding once buds form.

Care

Keep the root zone evenly moist, letting the top 2.5 cm of soil dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to limit disease. Egypt's mild winter naturally supplies the cool spell the plants need to flower well. Watch for aphids, spider mites, slugs and powdery mildew. Plants reach 90 to 120 cm and usually need support; cut spikes when a few florets open for a vase life of about 5 to 7 days.