Larkspur mix (Delphinium consolida) 160 seeds

Delphinium consolida

Larkspurs originate from Asia and Europe. The plants have erect, alternately leaved stems. The inflorescence forms racemes or panicles. Flowers can be single, double, symmetrical, with a spur. They bloom in blue, purple, pink or white from June to July. The plant reaches a height of 80 - 100 cm. Wild-growing species of larkspur occur almost worldwide, with the exception of polar regions and Australia. They mostly grow in mountainous locations. These are mildly poisonous plants whose ingestion can cause serious complications.

Many very beautiful cultivars have been created through cross-breeding, which are divided into several groups according to growth habit and flower type.
Dwarf hyacinth-flowered group is 50 – 60 cm tall, the flower raceme is dense, individual florets are relatively large. It blooms very early and includes the earliest varieties.
Giant hyacinth-flowered is 110 cm tall, has dense racemes of large individual florets and is early-flowering.
Tall double-flowered is 110 – 130 cm tall, individual florets are medium-sized, the flower raceme is sparser. It blooms later than the previous group.
Exquisit group is 100 – 120 cm tall, richly branched. Individual florets are medium-sized or large. Flower racemes are very dense and long. This is the latest-flowering group.

Larkspurs can also be divided according to perenniality. Some are grown as annuals, others as perennials. The Belladonna and Elatum groups are mostly perennials that grow for several years in one location. Annuals include D. consolida and D. ajacis. These are Pacific hybrids grown as annuals or biennials at most.

Due to its size, larkspur is ideal for growing as a specimen plant. It stands out not only in mixed plantings, but also individually in lawns, by walls or fences. They are also used for borders, in colorful flower beds in mixtures and in groups of pure colors. Tall varieties are very suitable for cutting. Flowers stay fresh in a vase for 6 – 9 days.

How to grow larkspur

• Requires a bright location that is protected from wind. Does not tolerate scorching heat. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Tall varieties are often severely damaged by wind and rain during flowering, so it is advisable to plant them with stakes. After flowering, it is good to cut them back and fertilize. This prepares them for another bloom at the end of summer, although weaker.

• Sow seeds in early spring in a warm greenhouse or under glass. Annual varieties are best sown as early as January. Sow seeds in special substrate designed for sowing and propagation. Cover lightly. Keep the substrate constantly moist and seeds must be placed in a bright location. Pre-grown plants are planted in open beds in May after night frosts have passed. They can also be sown directly at the planting site from the second half of May onwards. In pinches at a distance of 15 – 25 cm. Seeds germinate within 2 – 3 weeks.

• Plants require deeply dug, permeable soil, richly supplied with humus.

• During the growing season, fertilize once every 14 days with liquid fertilizer. Suitable options include Cererit or Kristalon. Ideally, combine fertilization with watering. Basic fertilization should include well-rotted compost or manure during soil preparation.

• Plants can be attacked by powdery mildew or gray mold. Treat affected plants with sulfur-based fungicide. Among animal pests, spider mites are dangerous. The best defense is using an insecticide such as Karate ZEON or Omite.