Summer larkspur "Dwarf Hyacinth", 0.5 g, KURZEMES SĒKLAS

• Species: Consolida ajacis — rocket larkspur
• Variety: “Dwarf Hyacinth” — double-flowered dwarf mix
• Producer: KURZEMES SĒKLAS (Latvia)
• Packet: 0.5 g (about 150–200 seeds)
• Height: 45–50 cm
• Flowering: July to September
• Colours: mix of blue, violet, pink and white
• Position: full sun, sheltered from wind
• Soil: light, free-draining, neutral (pH 6.5–7.5)
• Sowing: direct outdoors in April–May, 0.5–1 cm deep
• Germination: 14–25 days at 15–18 °C
• Spacing: 15 cm between plants, 30 cm between rows
• Life cycle: annual, often self-seeds
• Uses: borders, containers, cut and dried flowers
• Toxicity: all parts are poisonous if swallowed

Sowing. Direct sowing in April–May is the safest route: larkspur has a taproot and resents transplanting. Sow 0.5–1 cm deep into soil of 15–18 °C — above 20 °C germination drops sharply. An autumn sowing (October) overwinters in the ground and gives earlier, stronger plants.

Thinning. Once seedlings are 5 cm tall, thin to 15 cm apart. Crowded rows give short spikes and more disease.

Water and feed. Water moderately, when the top of the soil dries — excess moisture leads to root rot. Give one balanced feed before flowering; too much nitrogen builds leaves at the expense of flowers.

Care. Cut spent spikes off and the plant sends up new spikes well into September. Leave a couple of spikes to ripen and it will self-seed and return to the same spot next year.

As a cut flower. Cut in the morning when the lowest third of the florets is open. Vase life is 5–7 days; keep away from ripening fruit, as ethylene makes the florets shatter. To dry, hang small bunches upside down in a dark, airy place.

Watch out for. Heavy wet soil (root rot), crowding and a cool rainy August (powdery mildew). Aphids arrive in dry spells — wash them off with water or use a soap solution.

Safety. The plant contains alkaloids and is poisonous if eaten, to people and animals alike. Do not plant next to a children's play area or an animal pen.