Dwarf Columbine Seed Mix
Aquilegia vulgaris
- HOW TO GROW
- FAST FACTS
- REVIEWS
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in early fall, sowing the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing after the last frost. The seed can also be started indoors, planted just below the surface of a flat and kept at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until germination; keep the soil lightly moist.
Growing: Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade; this flower appreciates being shielded from the midday sun. Keep the seedlings watered and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but should be watered in the heat of summer. Hot and humid weather may cause the plant to wilt, since this plant prefers cool weather and can survive light frosts. Flowers planted from seed will bloom in their second year of growth. After blooming, the foliage will die off. Established plants can be divided, though they will self sow readily; volunteer plants can easily be transplanted. Deadhead the wilted blossoms if new plants are not wanted. These flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees and resists deer. Its natural growth in rocky areas makes it a good choice for rock gardens.
Harvesting: Columbine makes a lovely cut flower. Choose blossoms that have just opened for the longest vase life. Keep in mind that this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested.
Seed Saving: Keep in mind that this plant will cross pollinate easily with other varieties of columbine. Watch the maturing seed pods carefully, since they will open and expose their seed when fully ripe. Shake the open pods into a container to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: European Columbine, European Crowfoot, Granny's Bonnet, Granny's Nightcap
Latin Name: Aquilegia vulgaris
Species Origin: Central and Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 20,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Height: 16 Inches
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant
DESCRIPTION
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These delicate nodding blossoms are native to Europe; they grow wild throughout much of northern Europe, especially abundant due to their reseeding habit. Legend has it that these wildflowers grew in the footsteps of the virgin Mary on her journey to the house of Elizabeth; medieval paintings sometimes included this flower to signify the Holy Spirit, because of the plant's association with doves. The name "columbine" is derived from the Latin "columba," or dove, since an upside down columbine bloom looks like a circle of doves around a fountain. The Latin genus name "Aquilegia" means "eagle," a reference to the spikes on the back of the flower that resemble an eagle's talons.
HOW TO GROW
Sowing: Direct sow in early fall, sowing the seed just below the surface of the soil. For spring planting, mix the seed with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing after the last frost. The seed can also be started indoors, planted just below the surface of a flat and kept at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until germination; keep the soil lightly moist.
Growing: Plant in fertile, moist, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade; this flower appreciates being shielded from the midday sun. Keep the seedlings watered and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate some dryness, but should be watered in the heat of summer. Hot and humid weather may cause the plant to wilt, since this plant prefers cool weather and can survive light frosts. Flowers planted from seed will bloom in their second year of growth. After blooming, the foliage will die off. Established plants can be divided, though they will self sow readily; volunteer plants can easily be transplanted. Deadhead the wilted blossoms if new plants are not wanted. These flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees and resists deer. Its natural growth in rocky areas makes it a good choice for rock gardens.
Harvesting: Columbine makes a lovely cut flower. Choose blossoms that have just opened for the longest vase life. Keep in mind that this plant can be toxic and should not be ingested.
Seed Saving: Keep in mind that this plant will cross pollinate easily with other varieties of columbine. Watch the maturing seed pods carefully, since they will open and expose their seed when fully ripe. Shake the open pods into a container to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
FAST FACTS
Common Names: European Columbine, European Crowfoot, Granny's Bonnet, Granny's Nightcap
Latin Name: Aquilegia vulgaris
Species Origin: Central and Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 20,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Stratify 8 Weeks
Height: 16 Inches
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Hummingbirds, Deer Resistant