How to Grow Blue Spike
iNaturalist
Blue Spike
Veronica spicata 'Blue Spike'
flowerBlue Spike is a cultivar of speedwell featuring tall spikes of deep blue flowers that bloom from early summer through fall. This hardy perennial is prized for its vertical garden interest, attracts pollinators, and is extremely low-maintenance. It's perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and cut flower arrangements.
When should you plant Blue Spike in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Blue Spike timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Blue Spike
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Blue Spike blooms
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Blue Spike dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Get my Blue Spike timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny cotyledons emerge; develop first true leaves with fine texture
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin to 3-4 inches apart if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with lance-shaped green leaves; multiple stems form from base
Water regularly; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Fertilize lightly every 3-4 weeks.
Budding
2-3 weeksTight flower buds form at stem tips, creating distinctive spikes; buds remain green initially
Maintain consistent moisture and sunlight. Apply balanced fertilizer. Support tall stems if needed.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (June through September)Dense spikes of small deep blue flowers open sequentially from bottom to top; peak color achieved
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water during dry spells. Tall varieties may need staking.
Senescence
4-6 weeksFlowers fade to brown; seed pods form; foliage may yellow in fall
Leave seedheads for wildlife and winter interest, or cut back in late fall. Allow some seeds to drop for self-seeding.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or fungicide if severe; resistant varieties available
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if heavy infestation
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Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; remove and discard infected plants; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryBlue Spike flowers are edible and can be used as an elegant garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. They add visual appeal and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor to culinary presentations. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
HouseholdThe tall spikes make Blue Spike an excellent choice for fresh-cut floral arrangements and bouquets. Flowers last 7-10 days in water, providing long-lasting vertical interest indoors. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeBlue Spike is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer blooming season. The abundant nectar-rich flowers support beneficial pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalVeronica species have been used in traditional herbalism to support respiratory and digestive health. Historically brewed as tea, though modern scientific validation is limited. [source]
Dried Flowers
CraftSpikes dry well for dried arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. Hang dry upside-down in bundles in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks for best color retention. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest spikes when the lowest one-third of blooms are open, early in morning. Cut with sharp shears 8-10 inches from base. Recut stem ends at 45-degree angle and place in cool water immediately. Deadhead spent flowers weekly to extend blooming season through fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Veronica' comes from Saint Veronica in Christian tradition, and the flower's markings were said to resemble the saint's veil imprint.
- 🌱 Blue Spike is extremely hardy and cold-tolerant, surviving temperatures well below -30°F once established, making it ideal for northern gardens.
- 🌱 The flowers bloom sequentially from the bottom of the spike upward, a pattern called 'acropetal flowering,' which extends the blooming period over many weeks.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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