Aspiring spires
One of the most iconic plants of the herbaceous borders or annual beds are the delphiniums. Larkspur and delphinium are essentially the same flower. “Larkspur” is the common name for the genus Delphinium, which includes both annual and perennial varieties. While delphiniums are generally perennials, the annual varieties are often referred to as larkspurs. Delphiniums belong to Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family
Larkspur is an easy to grow annual from seed. You can buy annual Delphinium seed from most seed companies. They come in blue, violet, lavender, pink, white and bi-colours and can be bought as separate colours or as a mixed packet. I like to collect my own seed as I grow them every year. I collect seed from my annuals in August; the dying plants can look a tad scruffy but seed ripens pretty quick so collection is easy.
Once I have collected the seed I sow in late September. The seed does germinate quite quickly and I get it pricked out into cell trays two per cell (that’s in case one dies). I then grow them hard through the winter in a cold greenhouse or cold frame. In around March, depending on weather I plant these out and also sow a second batch of seed. Once germinated I repeat as above. I then plant these out with the other clumps in early June. This is to ensure a long flowering period. You can increase the flowering period by removing the spent flower spikes.
They grow in flower to around 2.5 – 3 feet x foot wide and staking is required, unless they are growing with other tallish plants.
Larkspur also make great flowers for cutting. Cut the flower spikes when a third of the flowers are open, the other third is about to open and the final third still tight buds. Plant directly in water and then arrange in a vase once inside the house. Larkspur also are great for drying. To use in dried flower arrangements or as your own organic confetti.
Delphinium consolida, – fork or rocket larkspur
A great group of annual larkspurs. They have a good array of colours and some in the group are semi double. Very reliable. Around 3 ft in flower
Delphinium grandiflorum, – Siberian larkspur
Another good group of annual larkspurs. I do feel with these that the flowers are smaller and to colour range isn’t there as much as above. Also growing to 3 feet. The flower spikes are more open than the more compact spike of above.
Delphinium chinensis, – Chinese larkspur
A pretty form of annual larkspur with large flowers on neat compact plants. Good for growing in a pot along with your bedding.
Some perennial Delphiniums can be grown from seed also and is a cheep way to grow perennials if you are prepared to wait a few years, before you get good flowering clumps. They will flower in the first full year from seed.
Below is a gallery of pictures relating to July
