Larkspur Romance mix

Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) are annuals that are also ideal for beginners. They love the cold, and we recommend sowing them directly into the flower bed. You can sow them either early in the spring (March to May) or in the autumn (August to September). Autumn sowing ensures earlier blooming. Place 2 to 4 seeds in one spot and sow them at a depth of 0.5 cm, as they need darkness for proper germination. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 10 and 18 °C.

While starting them indoors is possible and takes about 2 to 6 weeks before planned outdoor planting, you must keep in mind that Larkspur does not tolerate transplanting well. If you decide to do it, it is ideal to use seedling trays from which you can plant them directly with their entire, intact root ball. This is also why direct sowing straight into the final flowerbed often works much better.

The germination period is generally between 14 and 21 days. During this time, keep the seedbed moist but not waterlogged. Also, remember that Larkspur seeds need darkness to germinate properly, so it is necessary to cover them with a layer of soil approximately 0.5 cm deep when sowing.

It will thrive best in direct sun or partial shade. Larkspur likes loamy, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. It does not tolerate permanent waterlogging, but during growth and flowering, it requires even and regular watering (it has moderate moisture requirements). Maintain a spacing of 15 to 30 cm between individual plants to ensure sufficient space.

It is not strictly impossible, but due to the plant's significant height (up to 120 cm) and deeper root system, Larkspur is much more suitable for a free-standing flower bed. If you still want to grow it in a container, choose a very large, deep, and heavy pot, and do not forget to provide very sturdy support so the plant does not topple over during the first strong wind.

The reason is usually a missing cold period. For successful flowering, Larkspur needs a period of about 6 weeks in the cold, where temperatures should not drop below freezing but also should not exceed 10 °C. Therefore, early spring or, better yet, autumn sowing is crucial. If you sow the seeds in warmed soil late in the spring, the plants will grow, but no flowers will appear.

Definitely yes! 'Romance' mix offers beautiful flowers about 3 cm in size in pastel pink and violet shades, which are excellent for summer bouquets. They are also great for drying for dried arrangements. For drying, we recommend cutting the stems when about half to two-thirds of the flowers on the stalk are open, and drying them hung upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated place.

'Romance' mix is a special color blend that contains seeds producing various shades (pastel pink, light pink, lilac, and light purple). To ensure all these colors appear in your flower bed in the correct proportions, it is best to sow the entire packet. Taking only a small sample of seeds could lead to mostly just one of the included colors blooming.

Regarding diseases, Larkspur is most troubled by powdery mildew, a fungal disease that forms a white coating on the leaves. You can prevent it by ensuring sufficient spacing between plants for good air circulation. As for pests, you must be very careful about slugs and snails, which can decimate young spring seedlings literally overnight. Aphids can also appear on the stems.

Unfortunately yes, all parts of the Larkspur are poisonous and inedible. The plant contains alkaloids that can be toxic to both humans and domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses) if ingested in larger quantities. We recommend extra caution when handling the plant and advise against growing it within the direct reach of small children or animals that like to nibble on leaves.

Yes, absolutely! Although the flowers of the Romance mix are not fragrant to humans, their striking shape and soft pastel colors are a huge draw for various pollinators. By planting Larkspur in your garden, you will greatly please bees, bumblebees, and butterflies, thereby providing excellent support for local biodiversity.

The flowering period depends primarily on your sowing date. Plants from seeds sown in the autumn will bloom very early, often as early as June. Those from a spring sowing will start blooming a little later and will adorn the garden in July and August. By combining both sowing methods, you can ensure your Larkspur bloom throughout the entire summer.

Yes, Larkspur has a strong tendency to self-seed if you allow the seed pods to mature naturally. The following year, you may be delighted to find brand-new young plants in the same spot without needing to buy seeds again. Just be careful when weeding the flowerbed in the spring so you don't accidentally pull out the tiny seedlings along with the weeds.