Larkspur - Earl Gray

Larkspur 'Earl Gray'
Consolida ajacis

Get ready to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind heirloom stunner—a spring cutting garden staple that always steals the show. Its towering flower spikes are drenched in the most breathtaking dusty metallic purple-gray petals, unlike anything else out there. Beloved by gardeners and endlessly coveted by florists (seriously, they fight over it), this beauty is always in high demand. If you’re looking for a must-grow statement piece, this is it! 

Important note: All parts of larkspur are poisonous, including the seeds. Use extreme caution around children and pets.

Details:
Plant type: hardy annual
Height: 36-48”
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110-120 days
Plant spacing: 9”
Pinch: not necessary
Approx seeds per packet: 50

How to Grow:

For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden. You can plant them in late fall or early spring, or start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost, transplanting outdoors while the weather is still cool. If starting indoors, seeds can be finicky—try placing them in the freezer for 10 to 14 days before sowing to encourage quicker germination. Cold-hardy and tough, larkspur can even be planted in the fall in some of the coldest climates!

Plants may need support. 

Germination: 14-21 days at 55°F (13°C). You can pre-chill seed for 7 days in the fridge to improve germination.

Where to plant: 

Plant in Sun in well-drained soil.

Harvesting/Vase Life:

Harvest larkspur stems when about one-third of the flowers have opened. Be mindful that larkspur is highly sensitive to ethylene, so keep it away from ripening fruits. Its vase life typically ranges from 5 to 7 days. For drying, allow the top 3 to 4 blooms to remain unopened before cutting, then hang the stems upside down in a warm, dark spot away from bright light for about two weeks.