Cultivating Larkspur blooms (Consolida spp.) in the spring landscape gives towering, early-season color. Once you’ve learned how to cultivate Larkspur, you’ll probably keep them in your garden season after season. When and how to plant Larkspurs can vary depending on where you live. However, once established, its maintenance is straightforward.
Larkspur flowers emerge in the spring and add much-needed color to winter gardens. They are the July birth flower, so remember that the next time somebody has a birthday! Planting Larkspur can be challenging due to the necessity for a cold time before sowing the seeds, as well as the fact that these poisonous beauties can be harmful! However, once they’ve developed into plants, they’re low-maintenance and simple to maintain alive, even for inexperienced gardeners.
Growing Larkspur
Larkspurs are annual relatives of perennial delphiniums. Unlike delphiniums, which require chilly temperatures, excellent soil moisture, and a lot of attention, Larkspurs are strong, durable, and tenacious. Larkspur blooms are often cultivated from seeds. They can be transferred and transplanted, but it is a delicate operation that must be done with caution. That’s because the taproots that allow the plant to develop so quickly can be easily destroyed when transplanted.
Here are some brief facts about the popular aesthetic plant:
- Latin name: Consolida spp.
- Other names: Larkspur
- Native to: Europe
- Invasiveness: No
- Tenderness: Herbaceous Annual
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Average
- Soil: Well-drained
- Hardiness zone: Zones 2 through 11
- When to plant: Early Spring
- Spacing: 30 cm
- Plant height: 1.8 meters
- Bloom period: Summer to Fall
- Time to maturity: 77-84 days
- Container friendly: Yes
- Fertilizer: 10-10-10
- Toxicity: Yes, to humans and animals
- Deer resistant: Yes
- Pest resistant: No
Larkspur blossoms can grow to be exceptionally tall, requiring additional support to stay erect, particularly in windy circumstances.
They usually self-sow by dropping seeds. This indicates they’ll be back the next year with ease. However, if not carefully maintained, this makes it simple for the parties to take over your yard.
Water
When planting Larkspur, ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to keep the roots from decaying and dying. Flowers do not grow well in dry or hot circumstances, so keep the soil moist at all times for best development. They also grow in the sun, which means you must pay close attention to the soil’s hydration.
Sunlight
Larkspur plants thrive in full sun if the soil is somewhat damp. They do not, however, bloom well in warm and dry circumstances.
Soil
Because of its natural origins, Larkspur may flourish in a broad range of soil pH, while anything from 5.7 to 7.0 is optimum. These plants are not picky, however, they require soil that is somewhat rich, loose, and well-draining.
Fertilizing
To assist retain moisture, apply a thin coating of compost and a 2-inch blanket of mulch in the early spring. This will also help to keep weeds out of the Larkspur flower beds. Fertilize the plants with a mixed 10-10-10 (NPK) fertilizer when they have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, as directed on the box. Once a month, repeat this method until the blossoms open.
Invasiveness
Larkspurs are easy to naturalize due to their vigorous growth habits and extensive root systems, and also self-sowing. Even though these aggressive growers are not classed as invasive species even by USDA, they can cause more problems than they solve if not properly regulated. Deadhead the blossoms before they produce seed pods if you don’t want them to appear in unexpected locations.
Growing Larkspur In Containers
Larkspur seeds can also be planted in pots or containers that are portable. Keep in mind that they will mature to squeeze into your containers, so keep that in mind. Use pots that will not tip over from the weight and length of the Larkspur blossoms as they mature. Plant the seeds in damp soil and refrigerate for two weeks if you have access to a cold room or cellar with temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t need to do much with them when this step is completed. They’re one of the simplest annuals to care for. Thoroughly enjoy them in your yard or cut them for indoor use.
Care & Tips
Cut down your blooms if they turn brown. Leave a few seedlings and flower heads to recolonize the garden the next season.
To counteract these issues, soaker hoses can be used instead of overhead sprinklers. The soil must be wet but not saturated. Before watering, check the water content by inserting your finger about one inch into the soil. If you see wetness, wait a day or two before watering. You would like to keep them damp but not soggy. Also, instead of irrigating from above, raise the leaves and water beneath them. This will assist in keeping them healthy and disease-free.
Common Problems
The Larkspur flower, like other plants, is subject to mildew, root rot, snails, and slugs. Snail traps can repel the slimy creatures, but affected plants should be treated as soon as possible. Remove and trash them if they can’t be rescued to prevent the infection from spreading. If the blooms are exposed to too much extreme summer heat, they begin to sag, but this is just a cosmetic issue that will cure as the temperature cools down. If the stalks show symptoms of pests or illness, throw them away or burn them far away from your flourishing plants.
Propagating Larkspur
Annual Larkspur flowers are frequently propagated from seeds. They could be transplanted, but only with great care and attention. Because of their extensive taproots, Larkspur plants are believed to grow best from seeds. Moving them may easily damage their roots, making transplantation difficult. Larkspur is best propagated from seed since it is an annual that matures in 77-84 days.
They reseed rapidly and will overrun your yard if you allow them. Keep this in mind when you plant and care for these beautiful blossoms.
Wildlife Attracted By Larkspur
Larkspur flowers will attract hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators to your property.
The History Of Larkspur
Larkspur was imported to England from Italy in the 16th century, and it quickly became popular. They were brought to America by early colonists and were focal points in colonial gardens. They can also be used as cut flowers in vases for indoor decoration.
Uses For Larkspur
Larkspur is grown mainly for aesthetic purposes. Its lovely blooms help attract pollinators into your yard. Larkspur flowers, in general, represent an open heart and might be connected with romantic sentiments. Larkspur flowers in pots may be used to create an eye-catching display.
All plants of the Larkspur species are dangerous, but new growth and seeds contain the most toxic chemicals. Because the plant is easily spread, it may end up in grazing pastures. Unfortunately, this might cause the death of the creature that consumes it. The plant’s seeds are dangerous and should be kept out of the reach of children and animals. The younger sections of the plant, if ingested, can cause serious stomach difficulties, and if handled, it can cause serious skin irritation. After handling the plant, always wash your hands.
