Lilac Rocket Larkspur

Lilac Rocket Larkspur is a stunning rich purple-pink to violet-red annual in the "Delphinium" family with clusters of flowers growing up to 4 feet tall! These tall plants are perfect for creating beautiful backdrops in flower beds, and borders. Lilac Rocket Larkspur also make striking cut flower in arrangements; simply cut the stems at a diagonal and place them in fresh water to enhance their longevity in floral displays. These stunning wildflowers have deeply lobed leaves and slender stems, creating a delicate yet striking appearance in gardens and wildflower meadows. Lilac Rocket Larkspur is not only appreciated for its beauty but also for its historical significance. During medieval times, it was believed to have magical properties and was often used in protective charms. Rocket Larkspur are deer resistant, both seeds and plants and are not suitable for human or animal ingestion.

Also Known As: Rocket Larkspur, Doubtful Knight’s Spur, Annual Delphinium, Field Larkspur, Consolida Ajacis, Garden Larkspur, Giant Larkspur, Larkspur Rocket, Annual Larkspur, Purple Larkspur.

Plant Name:	Larkspur, Rocket Lilac
Latin Name:	Consolida ajacis, Delphinium ajacis, Consolida ambigua, Delphinium ambiguum
Days to Germinate:	14-28
Days to Bloom:	110
Plant Height:	2 - 4 Feet
Spread:	10 - 24 Inches
Bloom Diameter:	6 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	1-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier. Lay down 1/2"-3/4" peat moss, sawdust, or potting soil, the soil surface. This layer is beneficial for flower seeds because it can the improve the germination environment and prevent soil crusting.

Planting:

Larkspur requires cold temperatures to germinate properly.

Starting Indoors: For earlier blooms,vernalize seeds by chilling seeds at 35F for 7-14 days for best germination then start planting indoors in containers 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in Spring, keeping seedlings 45F-55F. Harden off then transplant seedlings outdoors when temperatures are consistently 50F. To transplant seedlings, prepare a transplant hole outdoors in a sunny location. Remove the plants carefully from the pots or flats and set them in the transplant holes, burying some of the stem in the ground. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water. Water the plants after transplanting.

Directly Sowing: If directly sowing outdoors, plant Larkspur after the first hard frost in early spring to cold-stratify seeds. Plants will germinate in late Spring when the soil warms to at least 50F. For fall planting, sow 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost and allow roots to establish over winter for early spring growth. If winters are harsh, mulch lightly to protect young seedlings. For blooms in late Spring of the following year, sow outdoors after the first hard frost in Fall to cold-stratify seeds.

To plant, make holes 1/8 inch deep and spaced 6-12 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole, then cover thinly with soil. In small plots, flower seeds may be scattered and gently watered in. Once seedlings emerge, plants can be separated and spaced 6-12 inches apart to allow room for mature plants to spread and prevent overcrowding. Water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/8 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6-12 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	12-18 feet

Care During the Season:

Larkspur requires minimal care once established. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage longer blooming periods and prevent self-seeding, unless you want the plants to reseed themselves. Thin out crowded seedlings early in the season to allow ample space for growth.