Larkspur Seeds

Grow tall, romantic Larkspur from these seeds (Consolida ajacis, annual delphinium). Feathery spires in blues, pinks and whites rise a metre high by spring, one of the finest back-of-border and cutting flowers for Pakistani winter gardens.

Growing Guide for Pakistan

• Sowing time: October to November in the plains, larkspur needs cool soil; late September to October in Islamabad; November in Karachi.
• Method: Direct sow where it will flower, larkspur hates transplanting. Chill the sealed seed packet in the refrigerator for a week before sowing, then cover seed with 3–5 mm of soil; darkness helps.
• Germination: 14–21 days at 15–18°C; slow and staggered is normal.
• Spacing: Thin to 25–30 cm; stake in windy spots.
• Flowering: February to April; cut when a third of the spike is open.
• Sun and water: Full sun; moderate water. Seed is not edible, keep packets away from children.

Cool-soil sowing is explained in why seeds fail to germinate in Pakistan; see also what to sow in September.

Germination-tested in Lahore before shipping, since 1932. Pair with hollyhock and antirrhinum from our winter flower seeds collection for vertical drama.