Larkspur is a beautiful cool-season annual, known for its tall, multi-colored spires that can reach over three feet in height. A staple in English cottage gardens, larkspur adds a charming, classic touch to spring landscapes in the Coastal Bend.
Larkspur are somewhat unusual among Coastal Bend flowers because they must be planted by seed. Transplants can be difficult to find at local nurseries. However, many larkspur seeds are available in commercial seed packets or can be easily ordered online, making them accessible for those new to seed planting. With proper care and well-prepared soil, growing larkspur can be both simple and rewarding. Watching the seeds sprout and transform into a lush display of blooms is a true joy, and once established, they will readily reseed year after year.
Larkspur requires the coldest part of winter to germinate. December’s chilly weather is essential to awaken the seeds from dormancy, and for the best results, gardeners can pre-chill the seeds by placing them in the freezer for a week before planting. The seeds sprout during the coldest months, growing gradually until late February when they begin to shoot up rapidly as spring warmth arrives.
Gardener’s Notes
Growing Up: Spacing, 6” to 12”. Height, 12” to 36”. Closer spacing helps plants better stand upright; however, spacing too close (under 6”) causes stunted growth. Best planted in December in full sun and minimal shade. Requires very rich, well-drained, moist soil. Add 4” organic compost plus half-cup pastured poultry manure and half-cup homemade wood ash per square foot. Plant seeds closely spaced to 1/8” depth. Thin transplants to 6” to 10” spacing. Water regularly, especially in spring.
Profiling: For cut flowers, clip low on the stem when the blooms are about 1/3 open (they open from bottom to top). The blooms will continue to open in the vase and last five or six days. For dried flowers, trim foliage and hang upside-down in a dark place. Make sure air can circulate freely through the flowers. At the end of the season, many seeds will drop from the plants for you to reseed the garden.
Fun Facts: Larkspur is native to the Mediterranean. In the olden days, it was used to treat lice due to its toxic properties. Larkspur appeared in England in the 1500s, where it grew easily and soon bloomed in the wild — and sickened the occasional cow who ate it. Despite this, larkspur became a central plant in English cottage gardens. Larkspur was equally popular in America; in the 1700s, the Founding Fathers planted larkspur extensively in their gardens.
These flowers bloom in pink, purple, blue, white, salmon and other lovely shades, with lacy green foliage which attracts bees and other pollinators. Larkspur also makes stunning cut flowers and dries beautifully for arrangements.
By April or early May, as temperatures rise, larkspur will drop their seeds and begin to wither. This is the perfect time to replace them with a favorite summer flower to keep your garden vibrant through fall.
One important note: larkspur is poisonous, and the seeds are the most toxic part of the plant. This is not a problem unless animals can get to your larkspur.
