Annual Larkspur
QIS Light Blue Larkspur is an open-pollinated cultivar of Consolida ajacis that delivers reliable, stunning spires of light blue flowers perfect for cutting fresh or drying. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with a compact 12 to 18-inch spread, this bushy variety reaches bloom in 80 to 90 days from seed, flowering generously from spring through summer. Its deer-resistant foliage and ability to attract pollinators make it both beautiful and functional in the garden, while its exceptional vase life, whether fresh or dried, has earned it recognition as an outstanding choice for cut-flower growers.
Full Sun
Moderate
2-11
48in H x 18in W
Perennial
High
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QIS Light Blue Larkspur stands out for its vigor and reliability in cool-summer climates, where it truly thrives. The flowers themselves are exceptional for arranging: fresh blooms will display open basal flowers along a third of the stem, while dried flowers hold their color and form beautifully before petals drop. This is a variety bred specifically for commercial cut-flower production, which means the stems are generous and long-lasting. Open-pollinated genetics mean you can save seed and grow the same quality plant year after year, a rare gift in modern horticulture.
QIS Light Blue Larkspur excels as a cut flower, offering long stems perfect for fresh arrangements that last well in the vase. The flowers also dry exceptionally well, making them ideal for dried flower work, wreaths, and long-lasting bouquets that retain their striking blue color. Florists and home gardeners alike value this variety specifically for its productivity and consistent stem quality.
Larkspur transplants can be started indoors 5 to 7 weeks before your planned outdoor planting date. Sow seeds in 72-cell plug flats at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch — darkness is required for germination, so cover the seeds or keep the trays in a dark location. Maintain soil temperatures around 55°F (13°C) during germination and growth; seeds will sprout in 20 to 35 days. Keep seedlings at a consistent 55°F until they are ready to transplant outdoors. Note that seeds do not germinate well when soil temperatures exceed 55°F, so indoor starting should be timed to avoid warm conditions.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after hardening them off gradually over several days. Plant out 5 to 7 weeks after seeding, spacing plants 4 inches apart. Time transplanting for early spring — ideally 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date — or for early autumn in zones 7 to 10, when soil is cool enough to support establishment.
Direct sowing is the recommended method and works best in cool conditions. Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring, 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, or in early autumn for bloom the following year. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/8 to 1/4 inch (darkness is required for germination) and keep the soil moist until seedlings emerge. Alternatively, sow in fall in zones 7 to 10 for reliable spring blooms.
For fresh cut flowers, harvest when approximately one-third of the basal flowers along the stem have opened and the upper flowers are still in bud, this stage gives you the longest vase life and room for flowers to continue opening indoors. For dried flowers, wait until most flowers on the stem are open but before petals begin to drop, then hang bundles upside down in a cool, dry, dark location to preserve color and form. Cut stems early in the morning when they are most turgid for best quality.
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