Larkspur Flowers: Features, Growing Zones, and Care Basics

Overview

Larkspurs are annual wildflowers (1-year lifespan) in the Delphinium genus of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).

Features

Flowers: pink, blue, rose, lavender, white. Spikes 1–7 feet tall. Among the first spring bloomers.

Environment

Full sun to partial shade, average soil, cool weather. Grows in most of continental U.S. except Zone 10 (hottest Florida/California).

Planting

Sow outdoors after last frost. Seeds 4 inches apart; thin seedlings to 10–12 inches.

Care

Keep soil moist but well-drained. Water 1–2 times weekly in dry periods. Monthly all-purpose fertilizer until flowers appear.

Problems

Susceptible to Sclerotium rot (yellowing, wilting leaves) and mildew. Toxic to cattle.