Larkspur 'Fancy Purple Picotee' Seeds

If you love the look of Delphiniums but struggle to keep the slugs off them, Larkspur is your answer. The 'Fancy Purple Picotee' is arguably the most beautiful of them all. Each double blossom looks like it has been dipped in ink; the petals are pale icy-white, edged with intricate markings of violet and indigo.

These are the definition of "cottage chic." They produce tall, strong columns of flowers that add instant height and elegance to a border. Because the foliage is feathery and light, they don't look heavy or block out the light for smaller plants below.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Purple Picotee'

We love this plant because it is the ultimate "cut-and-come-again" flower. The more you cut it for vases, the more side shoots it sends up. It is a staple of the British flower farmer.

It is also the source of natural confetti. You can dry the flower spikes, or strip the individual petals and dry them. They hold their colour perfectly, making them the eco-friendly choice for wedding confetti.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Larkspur is a Hardy Annual.

This means it completes its life cycle in one year but loves cool weather.
The Strategy: Unlike heat-lovers (like Cosmos), Larkspur hates hot roots. It prefers to establish itself in the cool soil of autumn or early spring.
Top Tip: Don't delay! Get these in the ground early. If you sow them too late in summer when the soil is hot, they will struggle to germinate.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Larkspur has a reputation for being tricky to start, but the secret is Cold Stratification.

🌱 Germination:
The Fridge Trick: Before sowing, put the packet of seeds in your fridge for 7 days. This "fake winter" wakes the seeds up.
Sow directly outdoors in Autumn (Sept/Oct) or early Spring (March/April). Sow shallowly but cover the seeds completely as they need darkness to germinate. Germination takes 14-21 days.

Where to Sow:
They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil. They have a deep taproot and hate being transplanted, so direct sowing where they are to flower is always best.

Care While Growing:
Support is key. These plants grow tall (up to 1.2m) and hollow stems can snap in high winds. Use netting or stakes to keep them upright. Keep them watered, but do not let them sit in waterlogged soil.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Larkspur provides vertical spikes, so pair it with plants that offer different shapes and textures:

• ❄️ Gypsophila 'Covent Garden': The florist's dream duo. The rigid, upright spikes of the Larkspur contrast beautifully with the soft, tumbling white clouds of the Gypsophila. They both love full sun and well-drained soil.
• 🔵 Cornflower 'Blue Ball': Create a "Cool Tones" border. The electric blue of the Cornflower picks up the indigo edges of the Larkspur, creating a sophisticated palette of blues and purples.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in Autumn for strongest plants, or early Spring for summer blooms.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)