my LocalPlanting

When to Plant Larkspur in Elm, Pennsylvania (17521)

Location

Elm, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

17521

USDA Zone

7a

Last Frost

Friday, April 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Friday, March 13, 2026

Based on last frost Friday, April 10, 2026 · Zone 7a

Pro tip: Sow Larkspur directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Consolida ajacis
Days to Maturity 65 days
Mature Height 24-48"
Spread 12"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

9" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.25" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 14-21 days

Ready to Plant Larkspur in Elm?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Friday, March 13, 2026.

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🤝 Good Companions

CosmosZinniaRose
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Larkspur

See which plants help Larkspur thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

* Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods to turn brown and dry on the stalk. Harvest before pods split open.

Processing

Crack dry pods to release tiny seeds. Dry in open envelope for 1 week.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

All parts of larkspur are toxic — wash hands thoroughly after handling seeds. Self-sows readily once established.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 56 plants of Larkspur. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Larkspur in Elm, Pennsylvania? +

In Elm (Zone 7a), direct sow Larkspur outdoors around Friday, March 13, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Elm, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Elm, Pennsylvania (ZIP 17521) is around Friday, April 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 7a.

How long does Larkspur take to grow? +

Larkspur typically matures in about 65 days from direct sowing. In Elm, that means you can expect harvest around Friday, March 13, 2026 plus 65 days.

Should I start Larkspur indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Larkspur does best when direct sown outdoors. In Elm, sow directly around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Other Plants for Elm

Growing Larkspur in Zone 7a

Larkspur (Consolida ajacis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Elm, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, you should direct sow seeds around Friday, March 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Friday, April 10, 2026. Larkspur grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.