If you want the classic 4- to 6-foot spires of blue, purple and white, buy seed of a perennial delphinium strain such as the Pacific Giant series, and start it indoors in late winter after a short cold treatment. Ohio Heirloom Seeds’ Pacific Giant Mix is our top pick because the listing gives a germination rate, a harvest year and real starting instructions. For a single dramatic color, Outsidepride’s Black Knight is a deep violet Pacific-type strain. If you garden in a hot-summer area where perennial delphiniums struggle, grow annual rocket larkspur instead: it gives a similar spiky look from a direct sowing in fall or early spring. Below are seven seed listings from Amazon, split clearly between true perennial delphiniums and annual larkspur, because many listings blur the two.
In this guide
- 1. Ohio Heirloom Seeds Pacific Giant Mix — Best Overall Perennial Delphinium
- 2. Outsidepride Black Knight Delphinium — Best Dark Single Color
- 3. Marde Ross Blue Bell Delphinium — Best Light Blue for Cutting
- 4. Wivolibe Double Bloom Delphinium Mix — Best Large Perennial Seed Count
- 5. Sweet Yards Rocket Larkspur Imperial Mix — Best Annual for Hot Summers
- 6. Isla’s Garden Seeds White Larkspur Rocket — Best White for Bouquets
- 7. Marde Ross Rocket Larkspur Mixed Colors — Best Simple Direct Sow
- What to Look For in Delphinium Seeds
- How to Start Delphinium From Seed
- Frequently Asked Questions
Disclosure: Urban Lotus Project earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
How we compared: we compared 7 current Amazon listings on what each listing states about species, strain, height, seed count, zones and sowing guidance. We did not test or handle the products, and availability changes.
Key Takeaways
- True delphiniums (Delphinium elatum hybrids such as Pacific Giant) are perennials for cool-summer areas, roughly zones 3 to 7.
- Larkspur (Consolida ajacis, also sold as “annual delphinium”) is a cool-season annual that suits the South and hot-summer areas.
- Delphinium seed loses viability quickly at room temperature; buy fresh seed and store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Chill seed for 1 to 2 weeks before sowing to improve germination, and use sterile mix to avoid damping off.
- Tall strains need staking and rich soil; expect the best spikes from the second summer on.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio Heirloom Pacific Giant Mix | Best overall perennial delphinium |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Outsidepride Black Knight | Best dark single color |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Marde Ross Blue Bell Delphinium | Best light blue for cutting |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Wivolibe Double Bloom Mix | Best large perennial seed count |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Sweet Yards Rocket Larkspur Imperial | Best annual for hot summers |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Isla's White Larkspur Rocket | Best white for bouquets |
| Buy now →Check current price |
| Marde Ross Rocket Larkspur Mix | Best simple direct sow |
| Buy now →Check current price |
Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Ohio Heirloom Seeds Pacific Giant Mix — Best Overall Perennial Delphinium
100+ Pacific Giant delphinium seeds in blue, white and pink, with a stated 85% germination rate and detailed starting steps.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- States seed year: grown in 2025 for 2026.
- Gives an 85 percent germination rate.
- Includes chilling and damping-off advice.
- Classic Pacific Giant strain with 4 ft spires.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Strain | Pacific Giant Mix (perennial) |
| Seed count | 100+ |
| Germination | 85% stated |
| Height | About 4 ft |
| Colors | Blue, white, pink |
| Seed year | Grown 2025 for the 2026 season |
Ohio Heirloom Seeds Pacific Giant Mix — compressed specs
Freshness matters more with delphiniums than with almost any other flower seed, because viability falls quickly when seed is stored warm. This is the only listing on the shelf that states both the year the seed was grown and a germination percentage, which is exactly what you want to see. The growing notes are also the most practical: chill the seed for about a week before sowing, sow in sterile seed-starting mix, cover lightly, and keep it cool. It warns that delphinium seedlings are prone to damping off, which is the most common way indoor sowings fail.
Pacific Giants are the tall, large-flowered strain most people picture when they think of delphiniums. Compared with the larger-count packs below, 100 seeds is modest, but it is plenty for a border; a dozen good plants make a strong statement. Pair it with our full guide on how to grow delphinium for feeding, staking and cutting back.
Pros
- Seed year and germination rate stated
- Best starting instructions on the shelf
- True perennial Pacific Giant strain
Cons
- Smaller seed count
- Mixed colors, no single-color choice
- Needs cool summers to thrive
Check Ohio Heirloom Pacific Giant Mix price on Amazon
2. Outsidepride Black Knight Delphinium — Best Dark Single Color
1000 Black Knight delphinium seeds for deep dark violet spikes with a white center bee; listed for USDA zones 3 to 8.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Deep violet flowers with contrasting white bee.
- Listed for USDA zones 3 to 8.
- Tall, branched stems for back-of-border impact.
- Large 1000-seed pack.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Black Knight |
| Seed count | 1000 |
| Height | Up to about 70 in (per listing) |
| Flower color | Dark violet with white bee |
| Zones | USDA 3 to 8 |
| Germination rate | not stated in listing |
Outsidepride Black Knight delphinium — compressed specs
Black Knight is one of the best-known named colors in the Pacific-type delphiniums, and a block of it in deep violet is far more striking than a mix. The listing places it in zones 3 to 8 and describes tall stems that fork into two or three flowering branches. Plant it against a fence or wall where it can be staked, or behind pale flowers such as white phlox and shasta daisies to show off the color.
The listing also calls it heat and drought tolerant and self-seeding; true perennial delphiniums actually prefer cool summers and steady moisture, so in practice give it rich, evenly moist soil and do not count on it in the hot South. With 1000 seeds, you have enough to sow a large bed or share.
Pros
- Striking single color
- Clear zone range stated
- Generous seed count
Cons
- Listing mixes delphinium and larkspur terms
- No germination rate stated
- Tall stems need staking
Check Outsidepride Black Knight price on Amazon
3. Marde Ross Blue Bell Delphinium — Best Light Blue for Cutting
Light blue Blue Bell delphinium, about 48 in tall, from a licensed California nursery; non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free seed.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Soft light blue blooms suited to cutting.
- Seed stated as non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free.
- Notes seed is sensitive to drying out.
- Seller licensed as a nursery since 1985.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Blue Bell |
| Seed count | 250 in title; 650 in description |
| Height | About 48 in |
| Flower color | Light blue |
| Sowing | Cover lightly, keep moist; can be cold stratified |
Marde Ross Blue Bell delphinium — compressed specs
Clear sky-blue is the color delphiniums are most prized for, and this single-color strain gives you it without the pinks and whites of a mix. The listing recommends it for cutting, bouquets and pressing, and its advice is sound: the seed is sensitive to drying out, so cover it lightly and keep the flat or bed moist, and cold stratification can help. At about 48 inches, it is a little shorter than Black Knight, which means less staking effort in windy gardens.
The listing is inconsistent on seed count, giving 250 in the title and 650 in the description, so plan around the lower number. It is a good companion to Black Knight if you want a two-tone planting of dark and light blue.
Pros
- True light blue single color
- Neonicotinoid-free seed stated
- Moderate height
Cons
- Conflicting seed counts in listing
- No zone range stated
- Sparse growing details
Check Marde Ross Blue Bell Delphinium price on Amazon
4. Wivolibe Double Bloom Delphinium Mix — Best Large Perennial Seed Count
2500+ open-pollinated delphinium seeds in blue, purple, pink and white, described as cold-hardy perennials 4 to 6 ft tall.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- 2500+ seeds for big borders or meadows.
- Described as returning perennials.
- Soil and sun guidance included.
- Open-pollinated, non-GMO.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Perennial delphinium, double bloom mix |
| Seed count | 2500+ |
| Height | 4 to 6 ft |
| Colors | Blue, purple, pink, white |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom time | Late spring to summer |
Wivolibe Double Bloom delphinium mix — compressed specs
If you want to plant delphiniums by the dozen, this is the largest perennial-labeled pack on the shelf. The listing describes cold-hardy perennials growing 4 to 6 feet and blooming from late spring into summer, and it suggests pairing them with roses, peonies and lavender in cottage borders. It also gives sensible soil advice: average to rich, well-drained soil, with compost added to clay or sand.
The listing does not name a recognized strain or give a germination rate or seed year, so treat the double-bloom claim as a hope rather than a guarantee. With this many seeds, though, you can sow generously and keep only the strongest seedlings.
Pros
- Very large seed count
- Good soil guidance
- Wide color range
Cons
- No named strain
- No germination rate or seed year
- Double flowers not guaranteed
Check Wivolibe Double Bloom Mix price on Amazon
5. Sweet Yards Rocket Larkspur Imperial Mix — Best Annual for Hot Summers
1 oz packet of about 8,000 Consolida ajacis seeds, enough for roughly 125 sq ft of tall blue, pink and white spikes.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Coverage stated at about 125 sq ft.
- Annual larkspur handles heat zones better.
- Feathery spikes good for cutting.
- Planting instructions on the packaging.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Consolida ajacis (annual larkspur) |
| Strain | Rocket, Imperial Mix |
| Quantity | 1 oz, about 8,000 seeds |
| Coverage | About 125 sq ft |
| Colors | Blues, pinks, whites |
Sweet Yards Rocket Larkspur Imperial Mix — compressed specs
Perennial delphiniums sulk and often die out in hot, humid summers, roughly zone 8 and warmer and much of the low-elevation South. Annual larkspur is the practical alternative: it gives tall, spiky flowers in similar colors from a direct sowing, then sets seed and often reseeds. In the South, sow it in fall for spring flowers; farther north, sow in very early spring as soon as soil can be worked, since it needs cool soil to germinate.
Compared with the other larkspur packs below, this one is the largest and the only one that states coverage, making it the easiest to plan a meadow or cutting row around. It is a good way to get the delphinium look for a season while you decide whether perennials will work in your garden.
Pros
- Large seed quantity
- Coverage stated
- Suits warmer zones
Cons
- Annual, not perennial
- Smaller flowers than Pacific Giants
- No height or germination stated
Check Sweet Yards Rocket Larkspur Imperial price on Amazon
6. Isla’s Garden Seeds White Larkspur Rocket — Best White for Bouquets
250+ heirloom white rocket larkspur seeds for crisp white spikes in cutting gardens and borders; direct sow 1/4 in deep.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Pure white spikes for arrangements.
- Clear sowing depth and germination time.
- Recommends direct sowing to avoid root disturbance.
- Heirloom, non-GMO seed.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Delphinium ajacis (annual larkspur) |
| Seed count | 250+ |
| Color | White |
| Sowing depth | About 1/4 in |
| Germination | 14 to 21 days in cool soil |
| Sow when | Early spring or fall |
Isla’s Garden Seeds White Larkspur Rocket — compressed specs
White larkspur is a florist favorite because it mixes with anything, and this listing gives the clearest larkspur sowing advice on the shelf: direct sow about 1/4 inch deep in early spring or fall, expect germination in 14 to 21 days in cool soil, and avoid transplanting, because larkspur resents root disturbance. It also notes the need for spacing and good airflow to keep stems upright.
Pair it with the blue Pacific Giants or Blue Bell above for a classic blue-and-white scheme, using the larkspur to fill gaps in the first year while perennials are still small.
Pros
- Clean single white color
- Detailed sowing guidance
- Good cut-flower variety
Cons
- Annual only
- Height not stated
- Needs cool weather to germinate
Check Isla's White Larkspur Rocket price on Amazon
7. Marde Ross Rocket Larkspur Mixed Colors — Best Simple Direct Sow
About 400 rocket larkspur seeds in mixed colors, 4 ft tall, sown directly on bare soil in full sun.
Check price on AmazonWhy We Like It
- Simple sow-on-bare-soil method.
- Tall 4 ft stems for cutting.
- Described as widely used by floral designers.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Rocket larkspur (“wild delphinium”) |
| Seed count | About 400 |
| Height | About 4 ft |
| Colors | Mixed |
| Sowing | Direct on bare soil, tamp in, full sun |
Marde Ross Rocket Larkspur Mixed Colors — compressed specs
The instructions here are brief but correct: sow on bare soil, tamp the seed in, and give it full sun. That is all larkspur really needs. The listing describes 4-foot stems, which is tall for an annual and makes it useful at the back of a cutting bed or along a fence. Note that “wild delphinium” in the title refers to larkspur, not to a perennial delphinium.
It sits in the middle of the larkspur picks on seed count, larger than the white Isla’s pack and far smaller than the Sweet Yards ounce, which suits a home cutting row.
Pros
- Very easy to sow
- Tall stems for cutting
- Mid-sized pack
Cons
- Minimal listing detail
- Annual only
- “Wild delphinium” label can confuse
Check Marde Ross Rocket Larkspur Mix price on Amazon
What to Look For in Delphinium Seeds
Perennial Delphinium or Annual Larkspur?
Check the botanical name. Delphinium elatum hybrids, including the Pacific Giant series (Black Knight, Blue Bird, Galahad, King Arthur and others) and the shorter Magic Fountains series, are perennials that do best in zones 3 to 7 with cool nights and steady moisture. Consolida ajacis or Delphinium ajacis is larkspur, an annual. Many listings call larkspur “annual delphinium” or “wild delphinium,” so read beyond the title. None of our seven picks is a Magic Fountains listing; if you want a shorter, less floppy perennial at around 30 to 36 inches, look for that series specifically.
Freshness and Germination
Delphinium seed is notorious for losing viability within a year at room temperature. Favor listings that state a seed year or germination rate, sow soon after buying, and refrigerate leftovers in a sealed jar. Larkspur seed is somewhat more forgiving but also benefits from cool storage.
Height and Staking
Pacific Giants commonly reach 5 to 6 feet in good conditions and need staking before they flower. Shorter strains and larkspur need less support. Plan stakes or grow-through supports at planting time.
How to Start Delphinium From Seed
- About 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, sow perennial delphinium seed in sterile seed-starting mix and cover lightly.
- Chill the covered tray in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks to improve germination.
- Move it to a cool spot around 60 to 65°F; seedlings often appear in 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid warm heat mats, which reduce germination.
- Give strong light and good airflow to prevent damping off. Our guide to starting seeds indoors covers the setup.
- Harden off and plant out after frost in rich, well-drained soil in full sun, 18 to 24 inches apart.
For larkspur, skip the indoor steps and direct sow in fall in the South, or in early spring elsewhere. All delphiniums and larkspur are toxic if eaten, which also makes them unattractive to deer and rabbits. For more tall perennials, browse our flowers and perennials hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do delphiniums bloom the first year from seed?
Perennial delphiniums started indoors early sometimes give a few short spikes in their first late summer, but the full display usually comes in the second year. Annual larkspur blooms the same season it is sown.
Are larkspur and delphinium the same?
They are close relatives. Delphinium usually refers to perennial Delphinium elatum hybrids, while larkspur is the annual Consolida ajacis, sometimes sold as annual or wild delphinium. Both produce tall, spiky flowers.
Do delphinium seeds need cold stratification?
It is not always required, but chilling seed for 1 to 2 weeks before or after sowing improves germination noticeably. Germinate in cool conditions around 60 to 65°F rather than with heat.
Can delphiniums grow in hot climates?
Perennial delphiniums struggle where summers are hot and humid, roughly zone 8 and warmer. Grow annual larkspur instead, sown in fall for spring flowers.
How long do delphinium seeds stay viable?
Not long at room temperature, often less than a year. Stored sealed in the refrigerator, they keep much better. Buy fresh seed each season if possible.