Also known as Larkspur · 941 saves
Delphinium
Delphinium, the genus most gardeners know as larkspur. We track 22 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 22 most-saved Delphinium varieties
4 species of Delphinium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Delphinium in Sow
Save the Delphinium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Delphinium
Whats common across all Delphinium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 22 most-grown of them.
The Delphinium year
- FertilizeApril and June100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during active growth
- StakeMay and June91% of varieties
Install stakes or cages early before flower spikes develop fully
- DeadheadJuly and August91% of varieties
Cut spent main spikes down to the foliage to encourage a second bloom
- Check for PestsMay–July82% of varieties
Monitor new growth closely for slugs and snails
- PruneNovember50% of varieties
Cut main spike back to basal foliage after first bloom for potential rebloom
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Stake tall stems to prevent toppling
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not disturb roots during flowering
- Refrain from pruning in late fall to protect overwintering buds
- Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent weak growth
What goes wrong with Delphinium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Slugs and Snails | Large, ragged holes in the foliage and slimy trails on the leaves and soil. | Apply organic iron phosphate bait around the base of the plants or handpick them during damp evenings. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides accompanied by yellow stippling and bronzing of the foliage in hot, dry weather. | Increase humidity around the plants and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting despite watering | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Delphinium
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist seed-starting mix in early spring (4-6 weeks before last frost).
- Keep soil consistently moist and place in bright, indirect light.
- Transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Division
- Divide established clumps in early spring or fall.
- Use a sharp knife to separate root crowns into sections with healthy roots.
- Replant immediately in prepared soil.
Delphinium questions
How many types of Delphinium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 22 distinct Delphinium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 941 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Delphinium grow in?
Across its varieties, Delphinium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Delphinium bloom?
Most Delphinium varieties bloom in early to mid-summer, mid-summer, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Delphinium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.