Delphinium Rocket Larkspur Imperial Seed Mix.
Blooming in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, these vibrant flowers are simple to cultivate, which contributes to their popularity in numerous annual flower gardens. Hummingbirds will be attracted to your garden, and you can also cut the flowers to enjoy their beauty indoors as well.
This close relative of the delphinium resembles that flower, yet it grows as an annual. The genus name Delphinium is derived from a Greek term meaning dolphin, which alludes to the distinctive shape of the blossoms; the species name "ajacis" is rooted in the Greek myth that these flowers first sprouted in the location where the valiant warrior Ajax took his life. The common name larkspur is attributed to the supposed likeness of the blossoms to a lark's claw. Native Americans and early settlers utilized the vivid flowers of this plant to produce blue ink. Larkspur is recognized as the flower of July and symbolizes a carefree or capricious heart.
Latin Name: Delphinium consolida
Species Origin: Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Annual - it reseeds itself easily, so it behaves like a perennial in all zones
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 8,900
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Plant Height: 36 - 48"
Plant Spacing: 18 - 24"
Color: Mixed, pink, blue, lavender, rose, and white flowers
Bloom Season: Blooms Early Summer, Blooms Late Summer
Uses: Cut Flowers
Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Sowing: Plant seeds 1/8" deep in well-prepared, nutrient-rich soil. In warmer areas, you can sow the seeds in the fall for an earlier bloom, while in regions with cold winters, early spring is the ideal time. If you want to start Delphinium Consolida seeds indoors, plant them 1/8" deep in a flat that stays evenly moist and at a temperature of 60°F. These seeds take their time to germinate, but you can expect them to sprout in about 20-30 days. Transplant the seedlings once the risk of frost has passed.
Growing: Make sure to water the plants regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. This plant can handle sandy or clay soils. Just be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can lead to root rot. If you start them early, the plants should bloom in their first season; otherwise, they’ll start blooming the next summer. After the first set of flowers fades, you can prune the plant to encourage new growth and possibly a second bloom. These plants will self-seed if the growing conditions are right. After the first hard frost, cut the plant a few inches above ground level. Larkspur is great for attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
Harvesting: To enjoy fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened; these typically last 7-10 days in a vase. Delphinium Consolidas also make fantastic dried flowers. For drying, select fully opened flowers, bundle them, and hang them upside down in a dark, warm area until they dry out. Be cautious when handling these plants, as the seeds and leaves of the imperial rocket larkspur are toxic.
Seed Saving: Once the flowers fade, the plant will create light brown, papery seed pods that open at the top when they’re ripe. The mature seeds will be dark brown. Cut the entire stalks of ripe seed pods and lay them out to dry. Alternatively, you can shake the plants over a container to collect the seeds from the open pods. Store the cleaned Delphinium Consolida seeds in a cool, dry location.
