How to Plant Dwarf Larkspur

Obtain dwarf larkspur seed from a reputable dealer or from collecting the seed. You can gather the seed from the dried seedpods of existing dwarf larkspur plants, in early summer. Because the seeds do not have a long storage life, collecting the seed is the best way to get fresh, viable seed.

Prepare the planting medium by filling standard 4-inch, square pots that are 3 to 4 inches deep, with a soilless potting medium. A soilless potting medium has a wetting agent and a small amount of fertilizer, and is designed for rooting plants and starting seeds. Soak the potting medium with water and let drain.

Plant the seed in September or October by pressing it into the damp potting medium, then covering with a 1/4 inch layer of dried potting medium. Plant 1 or 2 seeds per pot.

Secure the pots in a tray and place the tray in a shady location outside, such as a shady porch. The seeds must be exposed to fluctuating winter temperatures to germinate in February or March.

Locate a partly-shady to shady location for planting the dwarf larkspur plants in early spring when they have two or three sets of leaves. Prepare the soil for planting the dwarf larkspur plants by clearing competing vegetation and by working a 2-inch layer of well-rotted compost into the soil with a shovel. Keep in mind that dwarf larkspur will go dormant and completely disappear after going to seed in summer.

Plant the dwarf larkspur plants in the amended soil at the same level they are planted in their container. Be careful not to disturb the root system of the plants. Add water around the plants after they are planted to settle the soil around the plants. Keep the soil around the plants slightly moist during the growing process the first year. In subsequent years, only add supplemental water if the spring weather is unusually dry and the plants appear stressed.