Larkspur
Consolida ajacis
Larkspur is a graceful winter annual with feathery leaves and tall spikes of blue, purple, pink or white flowers. It is excellent for borders and cut flowers, but all parts are poisonous.
Photo: Stefan.lefnaer · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Water when the top of the soil is dry.
Soil
Fertile, well-drained soil; pH 6.5–7.5.
Temperature and humidity
0–28 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed
Stake tall plants and remove faded spikes.
All parts, especially the seeds, are highly toxic if eaten by people or pets.
Top Cultivation Tips
Sow directly in October; seedlings dislike transplanting.
Keep away from children and pets.
Dries well for arrangements.
Wear gloves when handling seeds.
Common problems
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new shoots and buds, sucking sap and leaving sticky honeydew behind.
How to treat it →DiseasePowdery mildew
A fungal disease that coats leaves, buds and young shoots with a white, flour-like dust, weakening the plant and spoiling flowers and fruit.
How to treat it →DiseaseRoot rot
Roots decay in waterlogged soil, so the plant wilts and yellows even though the soil is wet.
How to treat it →
