Larkspur Giant Imperial Mix
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Description
Larkspur 'Giant Imperial Mix' Seeds
Tall, sturdy stems packed with fully double ruffled flowers in a romantic palette of violet, rose, and white. This superior 'Giant Imperial' strain branches from the base, providing multiple cutting stems for bouquets and wedding confetti.
If you love the towering vertical spikes of a cottage border but don't want to wait years for perennials to establish, Larkspur is the answer. 'Giant Imperial' is a superior, florist-quality strain that produces tall, sturdy stems packed with fully double, ruffled flowers in a romantic mix of violet, deep blue, rose pink, carmine, and white.
Unlike older varieties that produce just one central stem, the 'Imperial' group branches from the base, giving you multiple cutting stems from every single plant. It is an absolute essential for the cutting patch, providing height and drama to bouquets. It also dries beautifully, holding its colour for winter arrangements or making the perfect biodegradable wedding confetti.
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🌿 Understanding the Plant
Consolida ajacis, or Larkspur, is the annual relative of the Delphinium and is a robust Hardy Annual (H3). It is a "cool-season" specialist, genetically programmed to establish its roots during the damp, chilly UK autumn or early spring before the intense heat of summer arrives.
The Branching Advantage: 'Giant Imperial' is prized by flower farmers because of its basal-branching habit. Instead of one single spike, each plant produces several stems, significantly increasing your harvest for the vase. These stems are strong and rigid, though they still appreciate some protection from strong winds.
RHS Wildlife Hero: Listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, Larkspur is a magnet for bumblebees and hoverflies. The complex, spurred flowers provide a deep well of nectar that is highly valued by beneficial insects in the mid-summer garden.
🌱 Growing Guide: The Fridge Trick
Larkspur seeds can sometimes enter a state of deep dormancy if they get too warm. To guarantee success, place your sealed seed packet in the freezer for 7 days before sowing. This "cold shock" mimics a sharp frost and tells the seed that winter is over and it is time to grow.
How to Sow:
Sow directly outdoors in September (for the tallest, earliest flowers) or March/April. Scatter seeds onto finely raked soil and cover lightly; Larkspur seeds require darkness to germinate. They have a sensitive taproot and hate being moved, so direct sowing is strongly recommended for the best results.
Where to Plant:
They demand full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. As they are fast-growing and reach up to 1.2 metres, they are "hungry" plants; digging in some well-rotted garden compost before sowing will result in much thicker, more floriferous spires.
Ongoing Care:
In windy or exposed UK gardens, provide support with birch twigs or garden twine while the plants are still young. To maximize your cutting season, harvest the main central stem first to encourage the side branches to develop their own flower spikes.
📋 Plant Specifications
| Botanical Name | Consolida ajacis |
| Common Name | Larkspur 'Giant Imperial Mix' |
| Plant Type | Hardy Annual |
| Hardiness | H3 (Tolerates light frost) |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun ☀️ |
| Height | 90cm - 120cm |
| Spread | 40cm |
| Spacing | Plant 30cm apart |
| Flowering Period | June to August |
| Perfect For | ✂️ Professional Cut Flowers 🍂 Winter Dried Arrangements 👰 Biodegradable Confetti 🐝 Wildlife Support |
| Seeds per Packet | Approximately 300 seeds |
🤝 Beautiful Garden Combinations
The tall spires of Larkspur provide much-needed vertical structure. Pair them with these available softer shapes from our collection:
- 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': The Country Classic. Cornflowers and Larkspur are the traditional duo for a romantic English meadow border. The round heads of the cornflower contrast perfectly with the vertical Larkspur spikes.
- ❄️ Ammi Majus (Queen Anne’s Lace): The Filler. While Larkspur provides the structural "thriller" spires, Ammi Majus provides the frothy white "filler" that knits the whole planting scheme together.
📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar
Sow in autumn for spectacular early summer spires, or early spring for a mid-summer display.
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Larkspur belongs to the Delphinium family; all parts of the plant and its seeds are toxic if ingested by humans or pets. We recommend washing your hands after handling the seeds.
🏆 RHS Plants for Pollinators
Larkspur is an exceptional nectar source for UK pollinators. Consolida ajacis is listed on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and is particularly loved by bumblebees and hoverflies in the high-summer garden.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery:
Delivery to mainland UK is calculated at checkout. For all other areas and large orders please ask for a quote. Orders will be sent by express next day delivery (DPD). They will be dispatched on a next working day service, with the exception of Ireland where it may take two days. Please allow up to 48 hours for delivery in the UK as the couriers may have already been and collected on the day you send your order in. Smaller orders for pouches, pockets, bags and pots may be sent via Royal Mail delivery. Please ensure you supply an email address and a mobile so you can be updated about your delivery. Should you have any problems with your delivery, please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk.Special Deliveries
Saturday or weekday morning deliveries can be arranged, but there will be a surcharge. Please contact us to request a price for either of these delivery services. If you need a parcel sending outside of the UK, please contact us for a quote.Returns:
If you are not completely happy with any product that you have ordered from us, you may return it to us in its original condition any time within 14 calendar days from the date of dispatch. Products must be returned in their original condition. Please contact us at sales@naturalgrower.co.uk to arrange a return. If you return a product by post, you will need to pay the costs of returning the product to us and obtain proof of posting.
Be a smarter gardener
Gardening organically is a more affordable and long term alternative to using chemical fertilisers. Natural Grower products eliminate waste because the nutrients are slowly released to the plants as they need them. Over the long-term you save money because your soil health naturally improves, which in turn produces healthier, stronger, disease resistant plants. Chemical products may cost less financially in the short term, but they don’t provide any long-term benefits and the damage they do to the natural eco-system in the soil is costly.
Slow release for sustained growth
Organic fertilisers are broken down slowly by organisms in the soil to produce a more measured, consistent, natural release of nutrients. This results in uniform growth with strong stems and leaves, unlike chemical fertilisers which provide a sudden boost resulting in tall lanky plants. Stronger plants are more resistant to disease, and with the presence of mycorrizhal fungi to strengthen the roots, the plants, soil and fungi all work together long-term to create the perfect natural eco-system.
Love your land
The organic matter in Natural Grower will help keep your soil or compost in optimum condition, retain moisture over the dry summer months and improve the health and structure of your soil. The presence of natural Mycorrhizal fungi in our products enhances root growth, enabling plants to extract nutrients and absorb water more efficiently from the soil or compost. By using our products you will be supporting and enhancing the natural eco-system in the soil.
Embrace sustainability
Natural Grower’s chemical free fertiliser products are approved organic, biodynamic and vegan. Plant-based and free from chemicals they are safe to use around wildlife, pets and children. Eco-friendly and sustainably produced in the UK. Our packaging is made from recycled plastic where possible and is all 100% recyclable. We are always happy to refill used containers, and often sell our products in reused containers or slightly damaged packaging at a reduced price. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
