QIS? Dark Blue – Larkspur Seed

Excellent series for cut flower production.
Features tall spires of dense florets. Plants produce indigo-blue double blooms with a small percentage of singles. 1 1/2–1 3/4" florets on 9–12" flower spikes. Very similar to the Sublime series, which QIS™ replaced. Attracts hummingbirds. Ht. 36-48". Avg. 10,600 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.

DAYS TO GERMINATION: 14-21 days at 55°F (13°C). Chill seed for 7 days at 35°F (2°C) to improve germination.

SOWING:
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds 1/4" deep in early spring for summer bloom or in fall for bloom the following year. Darkness is required for germination. Seeds do not germinate well when soil temperatures are above 55°F (13°C). Does best where summers are cool. Larkspur plants require vernalization (a period of cool temperatures) to trigger flower development. Plants should ideally stay above freezing but below 55°F (13°C) for the first six weeks of growth [the ideal temperature during the vernalization period is 50°F (10°C)]. Without exposure to this cold period, the plants will not flower well. Use of crop supports, for example, horizontal trellis, is recommended. Transplant: Grow at 55°F (13°C) until ready to plant outside. Plants have tap roots and do not transplant readily.

LIGHT PREFERENCE: Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS: Rich, well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.

PLANT SPACING: 4-6".

HARDINESS ZONES: Annual.

HARVEST: Fresh: When 2-3 basal flowers are open on up to 1/3 of stem.
Dried: When the majority of the flowers on stem are open but before petals drop. Retains color when dried.

USES: Excellent cut or dried flower. Good for back of beds.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Consolida ajacis