LARKSPUR Giant Imperial Mix
A vibrant, tall‑flowering annual renowned for its full, feathery spikes in shades of sky blue, lilac, rose, white, and deep violet. This mix delivers dramatic vertical colour and a soft, airy texture that transforms garden beds, borders, and cut‑flower plantings.
🌿 Key Features
Colour Range: Blues, pinks, purples, whites — classic cottage‑garden palette
Flower Form: Tall, densely packed spires with finely cut foliage
Fragrance: Light, fresh, mildly sweet
Use: Cut flowers, cottage gardens, mass planting, vertical accents. In a cottage garden, it adds height and texture — a bridge between wildflower meadows and formal borders.
🌱 Growing Conditions
Common Name: Larkspur (Giant Imperial Mix)
Type: Cool‑season annual
Height: 90–120 cm (tall flower spikes)
Spacing: 25–30 cm
Sunlight: Full sun (tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates) Soil: Well‑draining, moderately fertile soil; pH 6.5–7.5
Watering: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment Fertilizer: Light, balanced feed at 4–6 weeks
Temperature: Prefers cool conditions; ideal range 10–18 °C
🌿 Planting & Care
Planting Time: Autumn to early spring; thrives in cooler seasons and may struggle in hot, humid summers
Pruning / Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming and prevent self‑seeding if undesired
Pest Resistance: Generally trouble‑free; attracts bees and beneficial pollinators
Support: Tall stems may require staking in windy or exposed areas
🌸 Flowering & Harvest
Blooming Season: Late spring to early summer (earlier in mild climates)
Flower Type: Tall, densely packed spires in shades of blue, lilac, rose, white, and violet
Stem Strength: Strong, upright stems suitable for cut‑flower production
Vase Life: Approximately 5–7 days with proper conditioning
Harvesting: Cut when ⅓–½ of the florets on the spike are open for best vase life and continued opening in the vase
❄️ Frost Tolerance & Protection
Minimum Temperature: Hardy to light frost (approx. –5 °C)
Frost Notes: Young seedlings benefit from protection during severe or prolonged frost
Mulching: Apply a light mulch to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture
LARKSPUR Giant Imperial Mix
1. Plant type & timing
Type: Biennial / short-lived perennial (often flowers first year)
Best planting time:
Cool climates: Autumn, Late winter–early Spring or Autumn
Mild Warm climates: Autumn–early winter (best results)
Temperature preference: cool to mild; dislikes extreme heat
2. Site selection:
Light: Full sun in cool climates Part shade in warm climates (morning sun, afternoon shade ideal)
Airflow: Important to prevent fungal issues
Shelter: Protect from strong wind (flower spikes can be tall)3. Soil preparation
Drainage: Excellent drainage is essential
Soil type: Loamy or sandy soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (≈ 6.0–7.0)
Before planting: Mix in well-rotted compost Avoid fresh manure or overly rich nitrogen feeds
4. Planting spacing
Space plants 30–40 cm (12–16 in) apart
Crowding = weak stems and disease
5. Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Once established, water deeply but do not overwater. Avoid wet foliage (water at soil level)
6. Feeding
At planting: light application of balanced slow-release fertiliser.
During growth: Optional liquid feed every 3–4 weeks. Avoid high nitrogen → floppy growth
7. Staking (recommended for cutting)
Stake early before stems elongate. Use thin bamboo stakes or a grow-through support. Especially important in windy areas
8. Flowering & cutting
Flowering time: Late spring–early summer (often earlier than traditional foxgloves)
For cutting: Cut when ⅓–½ of bells are open. Cutting the main spike often encourages side shoots.
Deadheading: Improves appearance and may extend bloom period
9. Seed & longevity Dalmatian foxgloves often self-seed lightly Plants usually last 2–3 years. Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want natural replacement plants
10. Common problems & prevention
Powdery mildew / leaf spot:→ Improve airflow, avoid overhead wateringFloppy stems:→ Too much nitrogen or too much shade
Heat stress:→ Afternoon shade in warm climates
⚠️ SafetyAll parts are toxic if ingestedWear gloves if you have sensitive skinKeep away from pets and children
🌸 Summary for cut-flower successTo grow Digitalis Dalmatian specifically for cutting:✔ Cool season planting✔ Morning sun, afternoon shade✔ Excellent drainage✔ Moderate feeding✔ Stake early✔ Cut at ⅓–½ bloom stageIf you’d like,
Seedling Plugs are grown in ultimate conditions to produce strong and healthy seedlings that produce a bounty of flowers.
