Cut Flower
QIS White Larkspur is a compact, open-pollinated cultivar of Consolida ajacis bred specifically for cut and dried flower production. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with airy, elegant white blooms, it flowers reliably from spring through summer (March through August) across hardiness zones 2 through 11. From seed to first bloom takes 80 to 90 days, making it quick enough for successive plantings throughout the season. This variety's clean white spikes attract pollinators while remaining unpalatable to deer, and it dries beautifully for long-lasting arrangements.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x 18in W
Perennial
Moderate
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The white flowers open progressively along the stem, creating a soft, romantic texture that looks equally stunning fresh or dried. Direct seeding outdoors in cool seasons yields the strongest growth, and the compact 12 to 18 inch width makes it easy to tuck into borders or grow densely for cutting. Larkspur performs best where summers don't scorch, rewarding cool-climate gardeners with weeks of ethereal blooms that hold their form in the vase or hanging to dry.
QIS White Larkspur excels as a cut flower, with fresh stems producing 2 to 3 basal flowers open on up to one-third of the stem, perfect for bouquets and arrangements. It dries exceptionally well for dried arrangements, with flowers remaining open on the stem at the point just before petals drop, allowing you to preserve its delicate form for months of display.
While indoor starting is not recommended for this variety, if you choose to start seeds indoors, sow into 72-cell plug flats or preferred seedling containers 5 to 7 weeks before your planned transplant date. Keep seedling trays at 55°F (13°C) until seedlings are ready to move outdoors, and provide complete darkness during germination.
Transplant outdoor-started seedlings or indoor-grown transplants after the last spring frost when soil has warmed slightly, spacing plants 1 inch apart. Harden off indoor-started plants gradually to full sun before planting out to prevent transplant shock.
Direct sow seeds in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, or in early autumn in zones 7 to 10. Sow at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch in darkness (cover seeds lightly with soil or mulch). Seeds require cool soil temperatures below 55°F (13°C) for reliable germination and typically sprout within 20 to 35 days. You can also sow in fall for bloom the following year in cooler climates.
For fresh cut flowers, harvest when 2 to 3 basal flowers have opened along the lower portion of the stem. For dried arrangements, cut stems when flowers are fully open but before petals begin to drop. Strip lower foliage, bundle stems loosely, and hang upside down in a warm, airy, dark location until completely dry, typically 2 to 3 weeks.
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