When to Plant Larkspur in USDA Zone 7b
Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is a cool-season annual that produces tall, delicate spires of blue, purple, pink, and white flowers reminiscent of its perennial cousin, delphinium. Direct-sown into cold soil or fall-sown in mild-winter climates, it blooms in spring before going to seed as summer heat arrives. An excellent cut flower and cottage-garden staple.
In Zone 7b, the average last spring frost is around March 18 and the first fall frost is around November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 235 days.
Larkspur Planting Timeline — Zone 7b
Where Is USDA Zone 7b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 7b. Click any state to see the Larkspur planting schedule for that location.
Larkspur Planting Calendar — Zone 7b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 11 |
| Bloom | April 29 | Apr 29 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | August 30 | Aug 30 – Sep 13 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 7b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 7b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
5°F to 10°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
235 days (Zone 7b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.1 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Larkspur in Zone 7b
Sow every 6.9 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Larkspur in Zone 7b
Larkspur does not transplant well — direct-sow only. In cold climates (zones 2–6), sow directly in early spring as soon as soil can be worked, 4–6 weeks before last frost; cold soil improves germination. In zones 7–10, fall-sow 8–10 weeks before first frost for spring bloom. Press seeds lightly into soil; they need darkness to germinate — cover with 1/8–1/4 inch of soil. Thin to 6–12 inches to prevent powdery mildew. Allow seed pods to mature and self-sow for naturalized colonies. All parts are toxic if ingested.
Companion Planting
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Saving Larkspur Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
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Related Plants
Larkspur in Other Zones
Larkspur by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Larkspur in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, plan your Larkspur planting around the average last frost date of March 18. Direct sow outdoors around February 18.
Can Larkspur grow in Zone 7b?
Yes, Larkspur can grow well in Zone 7b, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 7b has a growing season of approximately 235 days, which is sufficient for Larkspur (60-90 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Larkspur in Zone 7b?
In Zone 7b, expect to harvest Larkspur from April 29 – July 22. Larkspur takes 60-90 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 7b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 7b is around March 18, and the first fall frost is around November 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 235 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Larkspur?
Good companion plants for Larkspur include Roses, Peonies, Foxglove, Sweet Pea. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Your Zone 7b Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner tailored to Zone 7b. Planting dates, monthly task lists, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — everything you need to plan a full season.