Most of what I have read says to start them in Spring or Fall directly in the garden, as they are apparently opposed to transplanting. I have never grown larkspur, but I do grow perennial Delphinium from seed, and start them indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost.

Thanks, sarahbarah!

I'm in zone 7b and sowed seeds in late November. I have seedlings up now. I have more luck with the dark blue and the lilac than with the white, pinks, etc. My first photos were May 28th last year.

It takes 2-3 weeks to germinate and wants cool temps. I would do it NOW before the days get longer if you are going to try. I think it is worth trying as it is one of my favorite annuals. I deadheaded a few last year and they bloomed for a few months. I let others go to seed.

Cameron

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Ideally, you should plant larkspur in mid fall (Oct or Nov). They take about three weeks to germinate. They will come up, form rosettes of leaves and grow roots all winter. Then they bloom in the spring. Mark your calendar now for next fall so you don't forget! :)

Thanks friends! That's a good idea about noting it on the calendar for fall. :-)
Cameron, I was wanting to order some Galilee Blue seeds--your photo definitely adds to my resolve!

My larkspur is in its third year. I never knew there was an annual larkspur. Al

Excuse me while I go turn green with envy, Al. Larkspur are entirely too short lived here. I love them, but as soon as it gets above 85 degrees (sometimes by late May), they are goners.

Donna - I just looked at my photos and my larkspur peaked around May 28th and were still growing in June. Full sun, southern exposure and we have hot weather here in my zone 7b. I deadheaded some last year and they re-bloomed.

I will say that I did not have good luck with the non-blue colors of white and deep pink. I am trying white again this year. I direct sowed all of my seeds just after Thanksgiving.

I do have a theory (not proven by anything that I've read)-- that the roots need to be shaded by other plants. I plant mine larkspur seeds right up on the perennials. THICK, as shown in my photos:

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I'll just peek in here and add that in cold Minnesota we start our larkspur indoors in March or April, They bloom all summer but what I like is THEY MAKE LOVELY DRIED FLOWERS ! Just cut and hang upside down and let them air-dry.