WashingtonGardener: Larkspur Plant Profile

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Larkspur Plant Profile

Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is an annual flower with tall bloom spikes in late spring and early summer. The flowers are typically blue, purple, pink, or white.

It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be grown in zones 2 to 11 as an early season annual.

It grows best in full sun in well-draining soils.

You can direct sow it in early spring or in late fall in zones 6 to 8 for blooming the next spring. You can also starts seeds indoors in late winter under grow lights. Larkspur seeds need cool temperatures (below 55 degrees) in order to germinate.

It prefers cool weather and does not tolerate heat. Young larkspur plants tolerate frost well.

Because Larkspur can grow to 3 to 4 feet tall, you may need to stake it especially in locations with strong winds.

Larkspur is a terrific cut flower. Cut the stalks when the bottom two to four flowers have opened. The flowers will continue to open in the vase. You can also let them dry on the plant for dried flower arrangements.

After flowering, you can collect seedpods for planting next year or let them go to seed to self-sow themselves.

Larkspur is deer-resistant as it contains toxic alkaloids. It is visited by various pollinators including bumblebees and butterflies.

Larkspur: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Video, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Koree Perry.

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

➤Remember to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out

➤ FIND Washington Gardener Magazine ONLINE

~ WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com

~ http://twitter.com/WDCGardener

~ https://www.instagram.com/wdcgardener/