QIS Dark Blue, Larkspur Seed

QIS Dark Blue Larkspur Seed

Indigo-blue double florets pack tall elegant spires
Nine-to-twelve-inch flower spikes excel for cutting
Uniform QIS stems support professional bouquet production
Blooms also attract beneficial garden insects

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Consolida ajacis

Days to maturity

80 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

About QIS Dark Blue, Larkspur Seed, Larkspur Seed

QIS is the perfect Larkspur for cut flower production. Produces beautifully tall spires of dense florets. Plants produce indigo-blue double blooms with a small percentage of singles. Little florets on 9–12" flower spikes. Great for also attracting beneficial insects and hummingbirds.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

14–21 days

Germination Type

G - Cool-Soil Germination

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

48 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

4,500

Color

Blue

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

For Larkspur, select a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. Plan to germinate seed in cool conditions rather than warm soil.

Planting

Direct sow larkspur in fall or very early spring because seed germinates best after a cool period. Press seed into the prepared bed and keep the surface lightly moist until seedlings establish. Indoor starting is difficult but possible with cold-treated seed. Thin seedlings while small, leaving the strongest plants at the final spacing before rapid spring growth begins.

Watering

Larkspur needs consistent moisture during establishment but tolerates moderate dryness afterward. Water deeply during prolonged drought, allowing the upper soil to dry between applications.

Fertilizer

Larkspur needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest larkspur as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Support tall larkspur in windy sites and allow selected stems to reseed only where volunteers are welcome. All parts are toxic if ingested, especially seeds and young growth; handle with gloves.

Pests & Diseases

Larkspur may suffer damping-off, powdery mildew, Botrytis, bacterial leaf spot, and Sclerotium stem rot. Warm-weather collapse with tan sclerotia near the base indicates southern blight. Remove affected plants and nearby debris, sow in a new location, and keep seedlings cool, uncrowded, and well drained.

Monitor larkspur for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.