Larkspur Delphinium 'Our Deb'

Water

For Delphinium 'Our Deb', commonly known as larkspur, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice weekly, applying approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on weather conditions. Make sure to water deeply to encourage root growth and avoid wetting the foliage to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. During hot spells or drought, you may need to water more frequently to maintain the moisture level, while during rainy periods, reduce the watering accordingly.

Light

Larkspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best light conditions for Delphinium 'Our Deb' are a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are in a particularly hot climate, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat and prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature

Larkspur prefers cooler climates and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for Delphinium 'Our Deb' is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat or sudden temperature swings can stress the plant, so providing a stable environment is key for its growth.

Pruning

Pruning Delphinium 'Our Deb' helps to promote vigorous growth and improves air circulation, reducing disease risk. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a second bloom, and cut back stems after flowering to within a few inches of ground level in late fall. Prune damaged or dead stems as necessary, and in early spring, trim the plant to help shape it and remove any old or dead growth from the previous year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Larkspur 'Our Deb' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with good organic matter content. The best soil mix would be one part loam, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sharp sand to ensure drainage. The soil pH should be slightly alkaline, around 7.0 to 7.5, which is ideal for this plant to absorb nutrients properly.

Repotting

Larkspur 'Our Deb' doesn't generally require frequent repotting as it is often grown as an annual. However, if grown as a perennial, repotting might be needed every 2 to 3 years in the spring to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Larkspur 'Our Deb' does well in average garden humidity conditions. It prefers outdoor settings where it can benefit from natural air circulation rather than high indoor humidity, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright light, cool area; keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, fertile soil, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  3-7 USDA

Life cycle

Delphinium 'Our Deb', commonly known as larkspur, starts its life as a seed, needing a cold period to break dormancy before germination in the spring. Upon sprouting, the seedling establishes roots and a rosette of basal leaves, which will fuel the plant's growth. From there, it enters the vegetative stage, where the stem elongates, and its characteristic deeply lobed leaves develop. As it matures, the larkspur enters the flowering stage, usually in early summer, producing tall spikes adorned with a series of colorful flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the plant sets seeds, which are contained in small capsules that disperse when mature, allowing for the propagation of new plants. In autumn, the larkspur enters dormancy, with the top growth dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the winter, repeating its life cycle the following year.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Delphinium 'Our Deb', commonly known as Larkspur, is typically propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow Delphinium seeds is in late winter to early spring when they can be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost date. For successful germination, maintain a soil temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). The seeds should be sprinkled onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly covered with soil as they require darkness to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings will usually appear within 2 to 3 weeks, and after the threat of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors into well-prepared garden beds.