I would have just broadcast the larkspur, but my sis raises them from seed and transplants. Once you have them, you won't need to worry about them again; they self-seed beautifully.

It says right on the package of the Larkspurs packets I bought that they do not transplant well and to direct sow them.

As very young plants larkspur will transplant - they do have a tap root so you need to be careful about that. I have WS'd them and direct sowed them and have had no problems moving them around as 1-2" plants. They are now firmly established in my gardens and self seed every year, I dig up clumps and move them about all the time while still small.....

Lynne

Hi Patreesh,

I winter sowed larkspur (first year winter sowing anything) and I threw larkspur seeds directly in the beds. I've already transplanted the WS larkspur back at the end of February first part of March. So far all have survived despite cold, drought, wind, frosts and down right freezes.

The direct sown larkspur is further along than the WS larkspur.

I don't know if indoor germinated/grown Larkspur needs to be hardened off or not. I do know that with the winter sown seedlings the experts suggest planting them out when still very small because larkspur supposedly resents transplanting.

If I were you I'd go ahead and transplant.

winter sowed Delphiniums too with great success.

Unfortunately I did not know that slugs LOVE delphiniums. Those little @#$%% ate them all to nothing the very night I planted them out! Their little telltale trails were all over the place. That's the only reason I figured it was slugs and not something else.

I still have one jug left with a few plants in it. I'm thinking of planting the entire clump and then putting that diatomaceous earth stuff around it and see what happens.

I take it you are buying already growing plants? Are they expensive around your way? They are hard to find here and when you can they usually go for around $25 a plant. That right there should tell me they aren't good for this area but I'm stubborn ;-)

Michelle

Larkspur are pretty tough plants and grow in most any soil and can take some drought. Delphs, on the other hand, do best in a richly composted bed with regular water.

I've never transplanted larkspur that I can remember. I just broadcast the seed and they come up, again and again and again, just like weeds! lol!

Michelle, sorry to here those @#$%% ate your delphs. Good luck with the rest. They are such beautiful plants and so pretty in a cottage garden.

Diana