Delphinium consolida Fancy Purple Picotee | Larkspur | Seeds
Larkspur Fancy Purple Picotee produces elegant spikes of double flowers with pale lavender to almost white centres and darker purple edges. This delicate picotee pattern makes the flowers especially beautiful in fresh bouquets and dried arrangements.
Growing approximately 90–120 cm tall, the upright, branching plants bring height to cottage gardens, mixed borders and cutting beds. Their finely divided foliage adds a soft, airy texture between the flowering stems.
Plant Information
Botanical name: Delphinium consolida
Common names: Larkspur, annual delphinium
Series: Fancy
Variety: Purple Picotee
Family: Ranunculaceae
Plant type: Hardy annual
Hybrid status: Non-hybrid
Flower type: Double
Flower colour: Pale lavender to whitish centres with darker purple edges
Height: Approximately 90–120 cm
Plant spacing: Approximately 15–25 cm
Days to Bloom: Approximately 110–120 days from spring sowing under favourable growing conditions
Position: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, well drained and preferably neutral to slightly alkaline
Flowering: Late spring to summer, potentially continuing into autumn depending on sowing time and climate
Vase life: Approximately 5–7 days with suitable harvesting and care
Uses: Cut flowers, dried flowers, cottage gardens and mixed borders
Delicate Flowers with Purple Edges
The contrasting petal margins give Fancy Purple Picotee its distinctive appearance. Pale centres keep the flowers light and delicate, while the purple edging defines each bloom.
Combine with white, blush pink, lavender or deep purple flowers for romantic bouquets. In the garden, plant behind lower-growing annuals so the flowering spikes can rise above them.
Sowing & Germination
Preferred method: Direct sow into prepared soil
Alternative: Start in individual plug cells
Sowing depth: Approximately 0.5–0.6 cm
Cover seed: Yes; darkness is required for germination
Germination temperature: Approximately 10–15°C
Germination time: Usually 14–21 days under suitable conditions
Indoor sowing: Approximately 5–7 weeks before planting out
Cool soil is the key to successful germination. Warm conditions can reduce or delay emergence. Avoid heated propagators and hot windowsills.
Direct Sowing
- Choose a sunny position and prepare a fine, weed-free seedbed.
- Sow in early spring while the soil is still cool and workable.
- Cover seeds with approximately 0.5–0.6 cm of fine soil.
- Water gently and keep evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Thin seedlings after their true leaves develop, leaving approximately 15–25 cm between plants.
Direct sowing allows the roots to develop without disturbance. Autumn sowing is also possible where winter conditions permit. In colder regions, successful overwintering may require protection.
Starting Indoors
Sow into individual cells filled with moist, well-drained seed compost. Cover the seeds and keep the trays cool.
After emergence, provide bright light and continue growing in cool conditions, around 13°C where practical. Avoid keeping seedlings in warm rooms.
Harden off gradually and transplant while young, keeping each root ball intact. Avoid repeated pricking out and repotting, and do not allow seedlings to become rootbound.
Is Cold Treatment Necessary?
Cold treatment is not always essential, but pre-chilling the seed for approximately 7 days at 2–4°C may improve germination. Use a refrigerator, not a freezer.
After chilling, sow as described above and maintain cool conditions. If emergence is slow, check temperature and moisture before assuming the seeds have failed.
Growing Conditions & Care
Choose full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid ground that stays wet after rain.
Water regularly during establishment, then as needed to maintain steady growth. Feed according to soil fertility, avoiding excessive fertiliser.
Shelter from strong winds and install support netting or stakes before the stems become tall. Leave enough space for good airflow between plants.
Larkspur performs best during cooler weather. Early sowing helps plants establish before summer heat arrives.
When Does Fancy Purple Picotee Flower?
Allow approximately 110–120 days from spring sowing to flowering under favourable conditions. Temperature, light and sowing season can change this timing. Autumn-sown plants flower after overwintering.
Remove faded spikes before seed develops. Cutting back to a healthy flowering side shoot may encourage smaller follow-on stems, although the main spikes usually provide the strongest display.
Harvesting for Fresh Bouquets
Cut when the first few lower flowers have opened, while most upper buds remain closed. Avoid waiting until the entire spike is fully open.
Harvest during the cooler part of the day, remove foliage below the waterline and place stems promptly into clean water. Expect approximately 5–7 days of vase life with good care.
Drying Larkspur
For drying, allow more flowers to open along the spike, but harvest before the oldest petals begin dropping.
Remove excess foliage and hang small bunches upside down in a dry, shaded, well-ventilated place. The purple picotee colouring adds delicate detail to dried bouquets and wreaths.
Important: All parts of larkspur, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested. Keep seeds and plants away from children and pets. Do not use the flowers as edible decorations.
