Larkspur Delphinium Magic Fountains Series

Water

Larkspur, commonly known as Delphinium Magic Fountains, should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. It is ideal to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. If the temperature is especially warm or if the plant is in a pot, you may need to water more frequently. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, which is roughly 0.6 gallons for an average-sized plant. During hot spells or dry periods, monitor the soil moisture closely and water as needed to prevent stress on the plant.

Light

Larkspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the Delphinium Magic Fountains would be an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summer sun, they benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. Ensure that the location is well-lit but shielded from the harsh midday sun, especially in warmer climates.

Temperature

Larkspur prefers cooler temperatures with ideal growth conditions ranging between 60°F and 75°F. These plants can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 40°F and maximum temperatures up to 85°F, but excessive heat can cause stress. Ideally, they should be grown in an environment that avoids the extremes of temperature for best growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Larkspur encourages a tidier plant and potentially a second bloom period in the season. Trim the Delphinium Magic Fountains Series back after the first round of flowering has ended to promote new growth and a second flush of flowers. This often occurs in late summer or early fall. Remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain strong, healthy growth and improve air circulation.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Larkspur, another name for the Delphinium Magic Fountains Series, thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture containing equal parts of loamy garden soil, compost or well-rotted manure, and a handful of coarse sand or perlite will create an ideal environment for healthy growth.

Repotting

The Larkspur generally does not require frequent repotting as it is often treated as an annual or biennial. However, if grown as a perennial, repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current pot is sufficient.

Humidity & Misting

The Larkspur prefers moderate humidity conditions; avoid overly dry or extremely humid environments. Aim for a humidity level of about 50-60% for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright light, cool temps, and moist soil for indoor Larkspurs.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part-shade, enrich soil, moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Magic Fountains Series Larkspur, a cultivar of Delphinium, begins with seed germination, which requires stratification to break dormancy. The seeds need cool temperatures for about 2-4 weeks before sowing, after which they germinate in well-draining soil under cool, moist conditions. Seedlings emerge and mature into rosettes of basal leaves, before sending up tall flowering spikes in late spring to early summer. Following pollination, usually by bees or butterflies attracted to their vibrant colors, the plants set seeds in late summer. The Delphinium Magic Fountains, being a perennial, may die back to the ground in winter, especially in colder climates, but will regrow from its crown the following spring. Regular deadheading encourages further blooming, and with good care, these plants can repeat their life cycle for several years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Delphinium Magic Fountains, commonly known as larkspur, is by seed. Sowing should be done in late winter to early spring. Prior to sowing, seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification, which involves chilling them in the refrigerator for about one to two weeks to simulate winter conditions and improve germination rates. Once stratified, seeds are sown on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light to germinate. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and to provide ample light once seedlings emerge. The ideal temperature for germination is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), and seedlings usually emerge in 14 to 21 days. Seedlings should be grown on in cooler conditions and acclimatized to outdoor temperatures before planting out after the danger of frost has passed.