Larkspur mix

Delphinium consolida

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

Many beautiful varieties 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 flowers 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 flowers and is early-flowering.
Tall Double-flowered is 110 – 130 cm tall, individual flowers are medium-sized, the flower raceme is sparser. It flowers later than the previous group.
Exquisit group is 100 – 120 cm tall, richly branched. Individual flowers 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 growing for several years in one location. Annuals include D. consolida and D. ajacis. These are Pacific hybrids grown as annuals or at most biennial plants.

Thanks to its size, larkspur is predestined for cultivation 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 in borders, in colourful flower beds both mixed and in groups of pure colours. 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 necessary, 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 fertilise. This prepares them for another flowering at the end of summer, although weaker.

• Seeds are sown early in spring in a heated greenhouse or under glass. Annual varieties should be sown as early as January. Seeds are sown in special substrate designated for sowing and propagation. Cover lightly. Keep the substrate constantly moist and it is necessary to place seeds in a bright location. Pre-grown plants are planted in open beds in May after the end of night ground frosts. They can also be sown directly at the site from the second half of May onwards. In pinches at a distance of 15 – 25 cm. Seeds will germinate within 2 – 3 weeks.

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

• During vegetation, fertilise once every 14 days in the form of liquid fertiliser. Suitable options include Cererit or Kristalon. Ideally, combine fertilisation with watering. Basic fertilisation with well-matured compost or manure during soil preparation is important.

• Plants can be attacked by powdery mildew or grey mould. Treat affected plants with sulphur-based fungicide. Of animal pests, spider mites are dangerous. The most suitable defence is the use of insecticide such as Karate ZEON or Omite.