Larkspurs

Annual. Formerly known as Delphinium consolida. Delphinium-like long-stemmed flower spikes are used as cutflowers or in dried arrangements. Upright 3-4' tall plants. The Giant Imperial series features long racemes of double flowers.

Culture: Likes cool moist conditions. Very slow to give in to fall frosts. May be direct seeded in early spring or started indoors and grown on at 55° and set out in 8 weeks. Does not germinate well in warmer temperatures. Refrigerating for a week improves germination. Cut when one third of the flowers on the stem are open. For cuts, vase life is 6–8 days. Excellent for drying. Self-sows readily.