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Delphinium ajacis, Dark Blue Larkspur seed

$2.00Price

Rocket Larkspur is a striking annual flower native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. Known for its tall, elegant spires of densely packed blooms, this variety showcases rich shades of deep indigo, violet, and royal purple that bring dramatic color and height to the garden. The flowers rise on slender stems above fine, fern-like foliage, creating a soft, airy contrast to the bold intensity of the blossoms. Reaching two to four feet in height, Rocket Larkspur adds a classic, vertical element to borders, cutting gardens, and wildflower plantings.

 

Highly valued as a cut flower, Rocket Larkspur provides long-lasting color in fresh arrangements and retains its beauty when dried. Its deep blue to purple tones blend beautifully with pinks, whites, and silvers, making it a versatile addition to both cottage and formal garden designs.

 

All parts of the plant — especially the leaves and seeds — are poisonous if ingested, containing natural alkaloids that can be harmful to people and pets. Care should be taken when planting in areas where children or animals may play.

 

For best results, Rocket Larkspur can be planted in fall or early spring. In regions with mild winters, fall sowing encourages stronger plants and earlier blooms. If planting in spring, refrigerate the seeds for one to two weeks before sowing to mimic winter’s cold and improve germination. The seeds sprout best in cool soil and may fail to germinate if temperatures are too warm.

 

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Avoid soggy conditions, as overly wet soil can cause root or crown rot. Blooming typically begins in late spring and continues through summer, with successive sowings extending the flowering season into early fall. Because Rocket Larkspur forms a long taproot, it should be direct-sown into the garden rather than transplanted once seedlings develop. Pack covers 1 square ft.

 

With its stately flower spikes and rich blue-purple hues, Rocket Larkspur adds elegance and color depth to any landscape — a timeless favorite for garden borders, meadows, and cut-flower arrangements.

Quantity
  • How to Use Your Cover Crop & Native Seed Packets

    Each seed packet is measured to cover 25 sq ft or 100 sq ft, depending on the size you chose.

    Sowing Instructions

    • When to sow: Fall is ideal in Portland. The soil is still warm for germination, and fall rains keep seedlings watered. Some seeds (like meadowfoam or clovers) can also be spring-sown.
       

    How to sow:

    • Rake the soil lightly to create good seed-to-soil contact.
    • Scatter the contents of the packet evenly over the area (don’t worry about perfect spacing).
    • Gently press or rake seeds in so they make contact with the soil. Do not bury deeply — most native and cover crop seeds need light to germinate.
    • Water: Fall rains usually do the job, but water lightly if the weather turns dry.

    What to Expect

    • Traditional Cover Crops (rye, peas, fava, daikon, crimson clover, buckwheat, mustard): Grow quickly, protect soil, and build fertility. In spring, chop them down or mow before they set seed. Some (like rye) can also be crimped into a mulch.

    • Living Mulches (red fescue, dwarf yarrow, creeping thyme, low clovers): These stay low and provide long-term weed suppression and ground cover. Shear lightly as needed, but they don’t require replanting every year.
       

    • Pollinator Wildflowers (Clarkia, poppy, gilia, flax, meadowfoam, coneflower, blanketflower): Not classic cover crops, but they add beauty and attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Many reseed naturally.
       

    Spring & Summer Management

    • Chop-and-drop: Cut plants at the base and leave them as mulch (peas, fava, clovers).

    • Mow: Use on ryegrass or cereals to turn them into quick mulch.

    • Crimp: Flatten tall rye or grains at flowering to create a long-lasting weed barrier.

    • Shear perennials: Yarrow, thyme, and sedges can be trimmed back after bloom.

    • Self-seeders: Flowers like poppy, clarkia, and meadowfoam will often reseed themselves. Leave some seed heads if you want them back next year.

    Quick Tips

    • Cover crops = soil builders.

    • Living mulches = weed suppressors.

    • Wildflowers = pollinator magnets.

    Tulle or row cover can protect young seedlings from birds and slugs until established.

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