Learn everything you better know to grow larkspur, an annual known for its gorgeous range of blooms.
BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Larkspur flowers have long been a staple of cottage gardens.
Cool-season annuals, larkspurs have versatility and charm to spare.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Where to Plant Larkspur
Consolida ajacis(giant larkspur) is toxic to humans and pets.
Larkspur is an annual that grows inUSDA Hardiness Zones 2-11.
It does best in sunny garden beds and borders with well-draining soil.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
The blooms are tall, so place them behind mounding plants and give them some protection from strong winds.
Include larkspur in your cutting garden for an eye-catching spike of flowers in a bouquet.
How and When to Plant Larkspur
Larkspur is an unfussy plant thatgrows quickly from seed.
Credit: Mike Jensen
In southern climates, direct-seed in late fall.
Larkspur is a hardy annual that tolerates the cool spring weather.
Loosen the soil and plant seeds 1/4-inch deep.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Cover them, as they need darkness to germinate, but dont firm the soil.
Space seeds about 4 inches apart and thin to 10 to 12 inches apart when seedlings grow.
Light
For the best blooms,plant larkspur in full sun.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Although these tall plants tolerate some light shade, they are likely to flop and require stakes.
Soil and Water
When planting larkspur,choose well-drained soil.
Larkspur doesnt like to stay wet for long periods, but it does need consistent moisture.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Be sure that plants stay evenly moist, especially when flowering.
If they remain too dry for too long, the plants become stunted and have poor bud set.
Plants last longer into the summer in northern states before the weather becomes too warm for them to handle.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pruning
Other thandeadheading spent flowersto encourage more blooms, there is no need to prune larkspur.
The plant should be grown in a pot at least 12 inches wide.
Choose a container with ample drainage holes and fill it with a well-drained potting mix.
Credit: Illustration by Mavis Augustine Torke
Since larkspur completes its life cycle within a growing season, theres no need to repot it.
Its flowers range from pink to white to blue.
Because blue is a a hard-to-find color in the flower world, these varieties are particularly sought after.
It makes an impressive addition to the back of a border.
Plant it in a sunny area and leave it there; it doesnt transplant well.
The blooms are closely packed and hold their color well, even when dried.
Cosmos
you’ve got the option to depend oncosmosto fill your garden with color all season.
The simple, daisylike flowers appear in cheery shades on tall stems that are great for cutting.
The lacy foliage makes a pretty backdrop for shorter plants.
Snapdragon
Few gardens should be without the charm ofsnapdragon.
The blooms come in gorgeous colors, including some with beautiful color variations on each flower.
Theyre also great for fall color.
Snapdragon often self-seeds if not deadheaded.
Marguerite Daisy
The hallmark ofthe Marguerite daisyis that it loves cool weather.
The flowers bloom in pink, white, and purple hues.
Often confused withthe Shasta daisy, Marguerite is more mounded and shrubby.
Garden Plans for Larkspur
The plant brings height and color to a cheerful mixed borders.
It includes several classics, including giant larkspur.
Other showstoppers include bellflower, lambs ear, and cranesbill.
Larkspur flowers attract beesespecially bumblebeesand hummingbirds.
Bees are larkspurs primary pollinators.
Butterflies and other insects are attracted to the plant as well, but they arent as efficient at pollination.
“Missouri Botanical Garden.
