Larkspur Flower: Meaning, Growing Tips, and Safety Warnings You Need to Know

The larkspur flower is a popular ornamental flower that is associated with protection, healing, and strong bonds. They are popularly used in cottage gardens and can be easily planted using seeds in early spring. While being extremely toxic to touch and handle, these flowers were once used as a medicinal plant possessing healing properties for treating wounds and digestive issues. These annual flowers are often confused with Delphinium, which is a perennial variety in the Buttercup family. While they are extremely similar, larkspur is a different species with distinct qualities. 

If you are looking forward to growing larkspur flowers at home, come along as I share the step-by-step growing guide, care tips, common mistakes, and some safety considerations due to their toxicity. 

Quick answer 

Larkspur is a cool-season annual flower that features tall spikes in the colors purple, pink, white, and yellow. They grow up to 1-4 feet tall and come in 3 different varieties: tall, low, and plain. Larkspur is best planted using seeds and can be really toxic if ingested. They need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, consistent watering, and regular feeding during the growing season for proper growth. 

What is a Larkspur Flower? Meaning, Features, and Botanical Characteristics 

Larkspur, botanically known as Consolida, is an annual flower from the Ranunculaceae family and is often confused with the Delphinium flower due to their similar appearance. These purple flowers grow up to a height of 1-4 feet with flowers around 2 inches large. Shaped in the form of long spikes, these flowers do not have a distinct fragrance but attract excellent pollinators. Larkspur is also a July-birth flower along with water lilies.

Popularly used in cut flower arrangements, the larkspur flowers can last up to 7-10 days in a vase with proper care. They are mainly associated with the idea of lightness, attraction, and attachment. These flowers are divided into 3 parts: tall, plain, and low larkspur. The tall variety often needs staking to stay upright and is a popular choice for cottage gardens. 

Botanical Name	Consolida
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Order	Ranunculales
Family	Ranunculaceae
Genus	Consolida

Historical Significance of the Larkspur Flower

The larkspur flower has been associated with the idea of protection against evil spirits historically. According to the Greeks, this flower can ward off evil spirits and has healing properties. They also believed that it represents the idea of grief and honor as part of the Trojan War and the story of Ajax. After the death of Achilles, his sword was awarded to Odysseus (his greatest warrior), which made Ajax extremely humiliated and furious. As a result, he fell upon his sword and took his life, and it is believed larkspur grew from his blood. 

Additionally, in many other parts of the world, like Transylvania, people also used larkspur flowers to ward off evil energies by placing them near stables. Whereas in England, these blooms are associated with the idea of protection and are used in bathwater. During the Victorian era, larkspur was used as a dye due to its rich purple hue and also as a medicinal plant. 

This flower has been associated with healing and medicine historically but has become a popular ornamental flower in modern times. Moving further, I will take you through the growing guide of the larkspur flower. 

Growing Requirements for the Larkspur Flower 

Larkspur flowers grow best in full sun for 6-8 hours with consistent watering in well-draining sandy loam soil with neutral pH (6.0-7.5), along with monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer. 

Take a look at all the ideal growing conditions for healthy blooming larkspur flowers: 

Sunlight: Larkspur thrives in full, direct sunlight for 6-8 hours every day. The best place, if planting indoors, is a south-facing window for the best sun exposure. During peak summer, provide the plant with some afternoon shade to avoid leaf burn. While a little shade will not kill the plant, complete shade can make the plant leggy. 

Water: These annual flowers need 1 inch of water every week and occasional deep watering twice a week, especially during summer. The plant cannot tolerate shallow watering or dry spells and therefore needs the soil consistently moist, but always look out for waterlogging, as that can lead to root rot. 

Soil: Larkspur needs rich, loose, and well-draining soil with a neutral to alkaline soil pH around 6.0-7.5. Pick a fertile sandy loamy soil mixture over heavy clay, as the latter traps moisture, which makes it prone to waterlogging and root rot. You can also add some organic compost for added nutrition and to enhance the natural drainage of the soil. 

Fertilizer: The best fertilizer for the larkspur flower is a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Larkspur is a heavy feeder and should be fertilized consistently during the growing season. Once the plant matures, you can switch to a 5-12-5 fertilizer with a high phosphorus content to accelerate the process of flower growth. 

How to Grow a Larkspur Flower at Home? A Step-by-Step Guide 

Larkspur is best planted from seed, as transplants can be difficult to manage. 

These spring flowers are ideally grown from late fall to early spring. The seeds need to undergo a process of cold stratification to accelerate the process of germination before sowing them directly in the soil. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grow larkspur using seeds at home: 

Step 1: Cold Stratification of Seeds 

Purchase some larkspur seeds or collect them from the existing plant’s seed pods after they have dried up. Place these seeds in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 weeks to break their winter dormancy. This process is called cold stratification of seeds and speeds up germination. 

Step 2: Creating Trenches

Prepare the planting spot in your garden by removing the debris and creating trenches using a hand shovel. This ensures much better efficiency, as you can plant multiple seeds at the same time instead of digging individual holes for every seed. 

Step 3: Sowing Seeds 

Plant the seeds in the trenches manually, as the small size is easily manageable. You can use a seeder, which is a gardening tool used to hold and help plant seeds, if you are a beginner. Ensure that there is a 4-6 inch gap between the seeds and that they are not planted deeper than ¼ inch. It helps provide space for individual root formation and prevents overcrowding. 

Step 4: Watering and Aftercare 

Cover the seeds with soil and water them thoroughly. Make sure it receives full sun exposure for 6-8 hours daily. It will take about 2-3 weeks for the flower to grow from a seedling if the right care is provided. 

Care Tips for the Larkspur Flower 

To care for the larkspur flower, provide it with full sun exposure, moderate watering, and regular plant feeding using balanced fertilizer during the growing season. While pretty easy to grow, larkspur flowers can be a little demanding when it comes to their care requirements.  

Take a look at some basic care tips for larkspur flowers for healthy blooms: 

1. Sunlight 

These cottage garden flowers thrive in direct sunlight for 6-8 hours every day. A little afternoon shade in peak summers is acceptable, but consistent shade can make the plant leggy. If you are planting the flowers indoors, I would suggest you place them near a south -facing window for maximum sunlight. 

2. Temperature and Humidity 

Larkspur are cool-season flowers that thrive in temperatures between 45°F and 65°F. These flowers fall under the USDA zones 2-9; hence, they are frost-tolerant. Maintain a constant humidity of around 35-60% near these plants, either by using a humidifier or a pebble tray for indoor plants and mulching for outdoor ones. 

3. Watering 

The larkspur flowers can thrive on 1 inch of water every week. While they can grow with moderate watering, larkspurs cannot tolerate dry spells for long; therefore, consistent watering is essential. However, avoid overwatering, as that can lead to root rot. To analyze the right time for watering, I use the rule of thumb by digging a finger 2 inches deep in the soil. If the soil is dry, the plant needs watering. 

4. Fertilizer 

Larkspur are heavy feeders and therefore need a consistent dose of slow-release, balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 in the initial growing phase. After small seedlings emerge, you can switch to a 5-12-5, phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote flower growth. Avoid overfeeding, as that can lead to root burn. I would suggest watering thoroughly before and after plant feeding and following the package instructions for accurate dosage. 

5. Pruning 

While not strictly mandatory, pruning the larkspur flowers is another way to maintain the shape of blooms. They are best pruned during early spring months, as the plant is in its active growing phase and a little deadheading would not harm its growth. Use a gardening tool like pruning shears to make accurate, clean cuts for minimal damage. 

Is Larkspur Poisonous? Safety Warnings to Consider While Growing Larkspur

Yes, as stated by the USDA, larkspur is a toxic flower that contains toxic compounds like Diterpene alkaloids, which can cause skin irritation and major life-threatening problems if ingested. It also describes the larkspur-cattle relationship and how the toxicity of the flower, especially during the new growth stage, has led to major cattle losses in recent years. 

However, NCBI states that factors like the ingestion rate of larkspur by the cow, alkaloid toxicity, and concentration in the plant affect the level of poisoning in cows. Due to the high level of toxicity, the flower should be handled with care; avoid skin contact. 

Take a look at some safety considerations while growing the larkspur to avoid any mishap: 

1. Wear gloves: It is recommended by gardening experts to wear gloves while handling the larkspur flower because it contains some toxic compounds, which, after coming into contact with the skin, can cause skin allergies. In case you experience any sort of discomfort after handling the plant, I would recommend consulting a dermatologist for an accurate analysis. 
2. Keep them away from pets and children: According to the ASPCA, larkspur flowers are toxic to pets. They contain some toxic compounds like Diterpene alkaloids, as stated above, which can cause serious gastrointestinal discomfort upon ingestion. If your pet ingests any part of the plant, consult a vet for the best analysis. 
3. Sanitize Well After Handling: The toxic compounds in larkspur can accumulate in any part of the skin while handling. Hence, sanitize your hands and exposed skin areas well after handling the plant, even if you have worn all safety gear. This helps prevent the risk of accidental ingestion and ensures skin safety. 

Common Mistakes While Growing Larkspur With Their Solutions

Some common gardening mistakes while growing larkspur are skipping cold stratification, neglecting soil needs, overfertilizing, planting too deep, and overlooking the plant’s toxicity, which can cause serious health issues. 

I have mentioned all the common mistakes in detail along with their solutions for safe gardening: 

Mistake 1: Skipping Cold Stratification

Larkspur seeds need a cold treatment before planting. The process of cold stratification is essential to accelerate the process of germination. While not strictly mandatory, skipping this process can lead to prolonged germination and uneven seed growth. 

Solution: Place your seeds in a refrigerator for about 3-4 weeks. You will notice early signs of sprouting. After that, place the seeds in the soil for planting. Check the seed package, as some brands send stratified seeds. 

Mistake 2: Neglecting Soil Needs

Planting in extremely warm soil is a common larkspur growing mistake. These cool-season flowers require the soil to be cool enough to grow roots. The ideal temperature varies from 45°F to 65°F, with 55°F being the ideal temperature. 

Solution: To assess the accurate soil temperature for planting larkspur, use a soil thermometer and plant accordingly, as the best time to plant can vary by region. 

Mistake 3: Planting Too Deep

Planting the larkspur seeds too deep can stunt the growth of the flowers. The seeds need consistent sunlight to germinate, which is not possible if the seeds are placed way below the ideal depth.

Solution: Do not place the seeds deeper than ¼ inch. This is the ideal depth, and anything below that can suffocate the seeds, depriving them of direct sunlight. 

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Plant’s Toxicity

The larkspur flowers are toxic in nature and should not be handled without wearing safety gear like gloves. The toxicity levels are at their peak during the growing season, and skin-to-skin contact with flowers during this time can cause serious allergies and health complications. 

Solution: It is recommended to wear gloves while handling the flower and sanitize well afterwards. Keep them away from both children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion. 

Mistake 5: Going Overboard With Plant Feeding

These purple flowers are heavy feeders, but overfeeding to achieve faster and better results can do more harm than good. Overfeeding can lead to root burn, which can result in stunted growth and eventually kill the plant. 

Solution: Fertilizing once every 4 weeks during the growing season is considered ideal for the growing season to decrease as the plant matures. Check the fertilizer package for an accurate dosage and avoid feeding in fall as the plant enters dormancy, and fertilizer can stress the plant further.

Concluding Remarks 

Larkspur is an elegant ornamental flower which is used in cottage gardens and cut flower arrangements. They have immense historical value, which associates it with the idea of protection and healing. Along with this, planting larkspur using seeds is extremely easy if all the growing requirements are met adequately. My advice to beginners would be not to skip the cold stratification of seed before planting to ensure the process of germination is smooth. 

Happy Gardening! 

FAQs