Pink Queen Larkspur is a pale pink variety of Consolida ajacis bred for the cut and dried flower trade, reaching 36 to 48 inches tall with a compact growth habit. This open-pollinated cultivar thrives across hardiness zones 2 through 11, making it accessible to gardeners in nearly every climate. Direct seeding in early spring or fall delivers blooms within 80 to 90 days, and the flowers dry beautifully while still on the stem, retaining their delicate color long after cutting.
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Moderate
2-11
48in H x ?in W
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High
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The pale pink flowers open progressively along the stem, creating a long-lasting supply of blooms ideal for fresh arrangements and dried bouquets. Larkspur performs best where summers stay cool, which means gardeners in northern regions and high elevations often see the most robust performance. Seeds require darkness and cool soil (below 55°F) to germinate, a quirk that rewards careful timing but prevents accidental germination in warm weather.
Pink Queen Larkspur shines as a cut flower, with stems that open progressively from the base upward, extending the vase life of each cutting. The flowers dry exceptionally well while still on the stem, making them a preferred choice for dried arrangements and long-term storage without fading or significant petal loss.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds into 72-cell plug flats or preferred seedling containers 5 to 7 weeks before your planned transplant date. Keep germination temperature at 55°F (13°C) and maintain cool conditions until seedlings are ready to plant outside. Seeds require darkness to germinate, so provide opaque covering until sprouts emerge.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings into the garden when soil has warmed slightly but before summer heat arrives. Space plants 4 inches apart in their final location. In cool climates, spring planting yields summer blooms; in warmer regions, fall planting (for spring bloom the following year) often produces superior results.
Direct seed in early spring as soon as soil is workable, or in fall for spring bloom. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in darkness (cover lightly or sow in evening). Seeds will not germinate well when soil temperatures exceed 55°F (13°C), so avoid sowing during warm weather unless you're planting for fall/winter establishment.
For fresh cut flowers, harvest when 1/3 of the basal flowers have opened along the stem; this extends the vase life as remaining buds continue to open indoors. For dried flowers, cut stems when flowers are fully open but before petals begin to drop, then hang upside down in a warm, dry location away from direct sunlight to preserve the pale pink color.
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