Cut Flower
QIS Lilac Larkspur is a compact, open-pollinated cultivar of Consolida ajacis bred for serious cut-flower production. Growing 36 to 48 inches tall with narrow 12 to 18-inch spacing requirements, this variety produces flower spikes in soft lilac tones from spring through summer across hardiness zones 1 through 9. It reaches bloom in 80 to 90 days from seed, making it reliable for both spring and fall sowings in cooler climates where larkspur thrives best. Deer leave it untouched, and pollinators flock to its delicate flowers, while gardeners prize it equally fresh or dried.
Full Sun
Moderate
1-9
48in H x 18in W
Perennial
High
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Lilac Larkspur produces flowers ideal for cutting, with up to one-third of each stem opening in succession when harvested fresh, extending vase life significantly. The blooms hold beautifully when dried before petals drop, making it exceptional for both fresh arrangements and dried arrangements. Its compact growth habit and narrow spacing allow dense plantings in cut-flower beds, while germination requires cold and darkness, a quirk that rewards thoughtful timing rather than struggling against warm soil.
QIS Lilac Larkspur excels as a cut flower, producing tall stems lined with blooms that open progressively over weeks in a vase. It's equally valuable dried, retaining color and form when harvested at peak bloom before petals shatter. The vertical growth habit and prolific flowering make it a natural choice for cut-flower farmers and home gardeners supplying their own bouquets.
Sow into 72-cell plug flats or preferred seedling containers 5 to 7 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Keep soil at 55°F until seedlings are ready to plant outside. Indoor starting is not recommended; direct seeding is the preferred method.
Transplant hardened-off seedlings after soil temperatures cool below 55°F, which typically occurs in early spring or early fall depending on your region. Space plants 1 inch apart to allow good air circulation and reduce fungal disease pressure.
Direct sow in early spring 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost, or in early autumn in zones 7 through 10. Seeds require darkness and cool soil to germinate, so cover the seed bed to block light and avoid sowing when soil temperatures exceed 55°F. Expect sprouts in 20 to 35 days.
For fresh cutting, harvest when 2 to 3 basal flowers have opened on approximately one-third of the stem; this stage provides the longest vase life as remaining buds continue opening indoors. For drying, cut when flowers along the stem are open but before petals drop. Cut in the early morning when stems are hydrated, removing stems at the base.
Remove spent flower spikes at the base once blooms have opened fully or petals begin to drop. Cutting flowers for arrangements constitutes the primary pruning for this variety, encouraging continued bloom production along the stem and extending the flowering period.
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