Larkspur

Growing Guide

Larkspur is a cottage garden plant, adding height and colour to border displays. Larkspur flowers work well with roses, peonies and other tall-growing flowers such as lupins and verbascums. Larkspur flowers are usually blue but they also come in mauve, pink, white and even red. They can be single or double, depending on the variety. Single-flowered varieties are loved by bees.

Larkspur is a common name, collectively used for two genera of the Ranunculaceae family – Delphinium and Consolida.



Best sown where they are to flower in spring, or late summer/early autumn for overwintering. Sow 3mm deep in rows 30cm apart in well cultivated soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Thin out the seedlings to 20cm apart. They will grow best in sun and in a deep rich, moist yet well drained soil.

TOP TIPS

Larkspur should be supported to prevent toppling over which can be caused by winds and heavy rains. After the first flowers are spent, chop Larkspur back to promote a second showing.



As well as its use as a fresh cut flower, the strong stems and colours make it useful for dried flower arrangements.