A generally easy-to-grow cottage garden favourite, with a few species that are best suited to rock and woodland gardens. Columbines bear dainty flowers in a wide colour range in late spring and early summer (May/June).
Aquilegia, commonly known as columbine, is a beloved cottage garden flower prized for its graceful, nodding blooms and versatility. With bell-shaped blooms in charming colors like blue, pink, red, white, and yellow, columbines inject a touch of old-fashioned appeal to any garden. However, timing is crucial when sowing aquilegia seeds to ensure healthy seedlings and abundant flowering. Follow these tips on the optimal time to start your columbine seeds.
Starting Columbine Seeds Indoors
Most gardeners opt to begin columbine seeds inside since this permits the plants adequate time to establish before transplanting them outside. Sowing seeds indoors mimics their natural cycle with germination taking place in early spring and transplanting after the final frost.
The perfect time to sow columbine seeds is January through May. January and February are ideal for starting seeds to transplant into the garden. You’ll need to account for the time required for germination and growing seedlings large enough to plant out. Late April or May sowings can go directly in the garden or containers once the weather warms up since less time is needed to raise transplants.
Follow these steps for starting columbine seeds indoors:
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Fill clean containers or cell packs with seed starting mix Moisten the mix before planting
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Sow seeds just below the surface. Columbines require light for germination so don’t cover heavily.
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Maintain temperatures of 70-75°F for fastest germination. This typically takes 21-28 days.
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Once sprouted, grow seedlings on at 65-70°F with ample light.
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Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting after all danger of frost, Space plants 10-12′′ apart
Direct Sowing Columbine Seeds Outdoors
While starting indoors is preferred, you can also direct sow columbine seeds into the garden. This is an option if you missed spring sowing or want succession plantings for prolonged bloom.
Direct sow columbine seeds outdoors in early spring once the soil reaches 50°F. The ideal planting window is mid-April through June. Key points:
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Prepare the seedbed by loosening soil and removing weeds/debris. Columbines like rich, well-drained soil.
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Sow seeds in drifts or groups of 3-4. Space groups 10-12′′ apart.
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Sow seeds just below the soil surface. Cover lightly with 1⁄4” of fine soil or compost.
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Water gently to avoid disturbing seeds. Keep soil moist but not saturated for germination.
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Thin seedlings to the strongest plant once true leaves appear.
Growing Potted Columbines from Seeds
Growing columbines in containers is also an excellent option. Follow the same sowing times as indoor seed starting. Sow seeds in cell packs or small pots using a quality potting mix. Care for as described for indoor seedlings.
When they’re large enough, transplant into containers at least 10-12” wide and deep. Move potted columbines outside when frost danger passes. Adequate watering and fertilization is vital for healthy growth and flowering in pots.
Ongoing Care of Seeded Columbines
Proper care once planted is also key to success with columbine seeds. Here are a few tips:
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Provide partial shade or dappled sunlight. Columbines flop in too much heat/sun.
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Water plants during dry spells, especially when buds and flowers are forming.
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Remove spent blooms to encourage re-flowering. Leave some seedheads for self-sowing.
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Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring to maintain vigor.
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Mulch plants in winter in cold climates to avoid frost heaving.
Follow this optimal sowing and care guidance for a gorgeous columbine display from your own robust, healthy plants grown from seed.
Key Points to Remember
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Start columbine seeds indoors January-May for transplants or direct sow mid-April-June.
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Provide cool temps, light moisture and light for germination.
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Grow on seedlings at 65-70°F before hardening off and transplanting outside after last frost.
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Prepare soil well and sow seeds in groups or drifts in the garden.
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Keep soil evenly moist and thin seedlings for best growth.
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Give columbines partial sun, adequate water and mulch for winter protection.
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Remove spent blooms for more flowering and leave some seedheads for self-sowing.
With the right timing and care, columbine seeds can provide many seasons of delightful flowers. Follow these planting and growing tips to successfully raise your own columbines from seed.
When to plant aquilegia
You can plant container grown plants at any time of year, but spring is the best time for them to establish well in most regions.
All you need to know Before you get started
If you want a lot of plants to mass plant like bedding, grow from seed the previous year and plant out in spring. As long as theyve made large enough
Rosettes are the circular arrangement of flower petals; or a cluster of leaves radiating from approximately the same point usually around a stem. Examples include aeonium and most succulent plants, African violets, primula, sempervivums.
rosettes of leaves, theyll flower that season. Container grown plants are available from garden centres and specialist nurseries. To find aquilegia that are available to buy near you, or to find a specific plant, use RHS Find a Plant Planting
How to Grow Aquilegia from Seed Complete Guide | How to Collect & Sow Aquilegia (Columbines) Seeds
FAQ
Are aquilegias easy to grow from seed?
They are super easy from seed-in fact all of mine have come from seed. Don’t waste your money buying a plant because Aquilegias are a short-lived perennial. Instead grow them from seed-you can buy seed packets from various retailers or just ask another gardener to share. I have received many seeds from other gardeners.
What month is best to plant flower seeds?
- In the very early Spring (end of January to March) you can sow hardy annual seeds. …
- From March to June you can sow half-hardy annual seeds. …
- In June and July it’s time for the biennials.
How late can I plant columbine seeds?
If sowing outdoors: In the early spring (3 to 4 weeks before the last frost), sow your columbine seeds on top of lightly raked soil. They do not need to be covered. Your columbine seeds will germinate in around 21 days. If starting indoors, plant columbine seeds 6 weeks before the average last spring frost.
Do aquilegia plants like sun or shade?
Aquilegia are extremely adaptable; their native conditions range are from sun to shade, rocky to woodland, moist to dry, low to high elevation. More sun than not, regular water and rich, well-drained soil probably suits them best, but they’re not picky.
How do you grow Aquilegia from seed?
how to plant aquilegias growing aquilegia from seed Sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray between January and May. If seeds are slow to germinate, they may need stratification, in other words a cold – warm cycle to trick them into thinking they have been through a cold winter. When should Aquilegia be planted?
When should Aquilegia be planted?
Pot grown aquilegia plants can be planted from February to November, although they may establish better in spring. If you want to grow your aquilegia from seed, sow indoors between January and May and direct sow outdoors from April – June. Sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray between January and May.
Do aquilegias grow well in shade?
Aquilegias make lovely cut flowers and the semi-evergreen foliage provides a good backdrop for other plants. Take a look at our handy aquilegia grow guide, below. Aquilegias are woodland edge plants, so the best location is in partial shade in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Are aquilegias easy to grow?
Aquilegias are an easy plant to grow and need little after care once they are established. In fact, they are so happy they will self-seed given the right conditions, although offspring are unlikely to look exactly like their parents. This might be just what you want if you are filling a new border.
Can Aquilegia grow from seed?
If you want to grow your aquilegia from seed, sow indoors between January and May and direct sow outdoors from April – June. how to plant aquilegias growing aquilegia from seed Sow thinly on to moist compost in a seed tray between January and May.
Do Aquilegia seeds need to be soaked before planting?
During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. Aquilegia seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing. Aquilegia seeds grow best when they are raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.