It is April 17, and I planted larkspur seeds today - one of my favorites! Sublime Dark Blue is the variety I like best, and I have had great luck with them. The color is usually quite a bit darker blue than what is pictured here. They germinate easily, but need cool nights in early spring or fall to sprout. I treat the bed with a organic fungicide since larks are very prone to fungal root diseases and a powdery white fungus that clings to the petals. Well drained soil is also helpful to prevent root problems. A raised bed is a good option for these flowers. It helps also to plant them where they will get good ventilation - where they will be standing in the breeze. The seeds I planted today will bloom in early July and continue for about 2-3 weeks. Then, alas, they are gone, but they do drop seeds that often germinate in the fall and overwinter for blooms the next summer. The plants are tall and thin with feathery foliage. I love to mix them in bouquets or in the garden with Black Prince snapdragons and dark yellow coreopsis. They are great with white hydrangeas too.
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AuthorBarbara Eaton, M.Ed. is a Master Gardener, a garden designer and an artist. She works as a professional gardener caring for the gardens of several regular clients. She is a published author, retired educator and a fool for flowers. Archives
January 2019
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