Larkspur Seeds: Latest Prices and Detailed Planting Methods

Larkspur, also known as pigeon flower, dried bird grass, thousand-bird flower, etc., is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Delphinium in the Ranunculaceae family. It is named for its unique flower shape that closely resembles swallows. The flowers are unique in shape and elegant in color, with very high ornamental value, and the whole plant and seeds can be used as medicine to treat toothache, while the stems and leaves steeped in water can kill insects. Now let us take a look at larkspur seed prices and planting methods!

How much does a jin of larkspur seeds cost?

The price of larkspur seeds is about 120-200 yuan per jin, but prices vary greatly depending on seed quality, variety, place of origin, and so on. Larkspur has strong adaptability to climate, with a moist and cool climate environment being more suitable. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 15°C, and the optimum growth temperature is 20-25°C during the day and 3-15°C at night. It likes light and can tolerate a little shade; during the growing period it can be placed in semi-shade, but it needs full sunlight during the flowering period. It prefers fertile, moist, well-drained acidic soil, and can also tolerate drought and slightly tolerate water temperature; a pH value of 5.5-6.0 is best.

Sowing methods for larkspur

1. Seed collection: The fruit ripening period of larkspur is inconsistent, and the fruit naturally splits after ripening, so it should be harvested in time. Generally in June, the already ripe seeds are harvested first 1-2 times, and in July the best ones are selected and all harvested, dried in the sun, and threshed.

2. Sowing time: Larkspur can be sown in both spring and autumn. If sowing in autumn, it must be done in mid-September, but in places where summer temperatures are relatively high, sowing needs to avoid the hottest summer period.

3. Post-sowing management: The optimum germination temperature for larkspur is about 15°C, and the soil temperature is best below 20°C; germination occurs in about two weeks. In the north, planting out is generally done in mid-April; transplant when there are 2-4 true leaves, and plant out when there are 4-7 true leaves.

Planting methods for larkspur

1. Planting: When larkspur seeds germinate and grow 2-4 true leaves, transplant them into a sunny cold frame for cultivation. In March of the following year, when the seedlings grow 4-7 true leaves, plant them out. In this way, they can bloom from May to July. When transplanting, do not plant the plants too deep.

2. Watering: Larkspur likes moisture and is also drought-tolerant. When watering, water thoroughly in one go, and water whenever the soil dries out. During the flowering period, water appropriately more so that the soil does not become too dry.

3. Light: Larkspur needs to receive sufficient sunlight to promote plant growth, especially in winter. It tolerates some shade, and in summer strong light should be avoided, placing it in a semi-shaded spot.

4. Temperature: Larkspur has strong adaptability to climate and likes cool weather. The best growth temperature during the day is between 20-25°C, and at night it should be controlled at 3-15°C.

5. Fertilizing: During the growing period, fertilize larkspur once every half month. Before flowering, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer 2-3 additional times. Keeping the soil moist during the flowering period can prolong the flowering period. At the same time, according to growth conditions, apply cake fertilizer water 1-3 times per month.

6. Height control: After repotting larkspur, paclobutrazol can be used to control plant height. Apply 5000 PPM paclobutrazol or 1500 PPM daminozide once, every half month, until flower buds appear.

7. Pests and diseases: Common problems of larkspur include black spot, crown rot, and chrysanthemum leaf blight nematode, which damage leaves, flower buds, and stems. They can be prevented and controlled by spraying with a 500-fold dilution of 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder.