Larkspur 'QIS Carmine'

QIS Carmine Larkspur (Consolida ajacis)

QIS Carmine produces bold, candy-pink flower spikes perfect for bright, cheerful arrangements. The dense, double blooms, with a small percentage of singles, create full, showy spires that stand 9–12" long, with 1½–1¾" florets that pop in both fresh and dried bouquets.

Part of the QIS™ series—an improvement on the classic Sublime line—this variety offers excellent uniformity and vibrant colour. Plants grow up to 120 cm (4 ft) and bloom in early to mid-summer, making them an ideal cool-season cut flower. Hummingbirds love them, and so do florists. Grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Direct sow in fall or early spring; chilling seeds for 1–2 weeks improves germination.

DETAILS:

QTY: 75

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 14 - 28 Days at 13°C

HEIGHT:  Up to 48”

MATURITY: 80 - 100 days

SPACING: 6 - 9”

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct Sowing (recommended): Larkspur is best grown from seed sown directly into the garden in late fall or very early spring, as it requires a period of cold for successful germination. Seeds can be scattered outdoors and lightly covered either before winter sets in or as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Larkspur is cold-tolerant, making fall sowing ideal even in cold regions. To improve germination when sowing in the spring, pre-chill seeds in the refrigerator or freezer for 1–2 weeks before planting.

Transplanting (alternative): While not ideal, larkspur can also be started indoors in trays 6–8 weeks before the last frost. Use deep cell trays or pots to reduce root disturbance. Transplant seedlings out while temperatures are still cool.

Pinching and Support: Pinching is not necessary for larkspur. Taller varieties will require a support structure, such as a trellis or netting, to prevent their heavy flower stalks from toppling over.

Soil Preference and Watering: Larkspur prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. It thrives in cool conditions.

Fertilizing: Larkspur is a light feeder. A single application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at planting time is typically sufficient. Too much nitrogen can lead to weak stems.

Harvesting: For bouquets, harvest stems when the flowers on the bottom half of the spike have opened. Larkspur is also an excellent flower for drying. To dry, harvest at the same stage as for fresh bouquets and hang bunches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.