Sarah Ann Drake / Public domain
garden
Larkspur
Delphinium ×burkei
Overview
Tall, elegant spikes of spurred flowers in brilliant blues, purples, pinks, and whites that bring vertical drama to cottage gardens and cutting beds. Larkspur is the annual cousin of delphinium, easier to grow and more heat-tolerant. All parts are toxic (containing delphinine alkaloids), so handle with care — but their beauty and stature as cut flowers are unmatched among annuals.
Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones4 — 8
Height0.9m
Spread0.53m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Soil pH6.5 — 7.5
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Direct Sow | Apr — May | Direct sow early spring; needs cold to germinate — refrigerate seed 2 weeks |
| Cold (1-2) | Harvest | Jun — Jul | Cut when lower third of florets open; poisonous — not edible |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Mar — Apr | Direct sow in early spring; self-sows reliably |
| Cool (3-4) | Direct Sow | Sep — Oct | Fall sow for earliest spring bloom |
| Cool (3-4) | Harvest | May — Jul | Harvest spikes for cut flowers or drying |
| Moderate (5-7) | Direct Sow | Sep — Nov | Fall sow for spring flowers; needs winter chill |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | Apr — Jun | Spring bloom; fades in summer heat |
| Warm (8-9) | Direct Sow | Oct — Nov | Fall sow only; needs cool season to establish |
| Warm (8-9) | Harvest | Feb — Apr | Early spring bloom |
| Hot (10+) | Direct Sow | Nov — Dec | Late fall sow for late winter bloom |
| Hot (10+) | Harvest | Jan — Mar | Winter/early spring bloom |
Uses
Other Uses
- Stunning tall cut flower in blues and purples
- Cottage garden and wildflower meadow planting
- Dried flowers retain color beautifully
