A macro view of Barlow Double Columbine flowers and leaves on a white background.
A single Barlow Double Columbine flower with foliage on a white background.
An arrangement of Barlow Double Columbine flowers in a grey ceramic vase on a white background.
A single Barlow Double Columbine flower with foliage poses for the camera on a high-key background.
A trio of Barlow Double Columbine flowers surrounded with some buds and petals pn white.
Barlow Double Columbine flowers blooming in the garden at Baker Creek.
A couple of Barlow Double Columbine flowers with some young blooms and petals on white.
A macro view of Barlow Double Columbine flowers and leaves on a white background.
A single Barlow Double Columbine flower with foliage on a white background.
An arrangement of Barlow Double Columbine flowers in a grey ceramic vase on a white background.
A single Barlow Double Columbine flower with foliage poses for the camera on a high-key background.
A trio of Barlow Double Columbine flowers surrounded with some buds and petals pn white.
Barlow Double Columbine flowers blooming in the garden at Baker Creek.
A couple of Barlow Double Columbine flowers with some young blooms and petals on white.

Columbine Seeds,
Barlow Purple with White Edge

#FL761 · 25 seeds
Price
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Description

(Aquilegia vulgaris). This is one of those flowers that feels like it belongs in a storybook garden. The blooms are full and ruffled, a deep, velvety purple traced carefully with a soft white edge, like a neatly hemmed petticoat. Columbines of the Barlow type have long been treasured for their double form and tidy habit, offering a more filled-in, romantic bloom than the wild types. They bring that gentle country charm to borders and beds, blooming faithfully each spring and pairing beautifully with other old garden favorites. Just a small note—best to keep them out of reach of pets, as they’re not meant for nibbling. Keep out of reach of pets, as it may be toxic to them in large quantities. 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Aquilegia vulgaris
Life Cycle
Perennial
Days to Germinate
21–36
Days to Maturity
120–300
Planting Depth
⅛–¼ in.
Plant Spacing
10–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
65–70°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Direct sow seeds in place 3-4 weeks before the last frost date in your region or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost. It usually blooms in its second year after establishing strong roots in its first growing season. If you’re not sure of your last frost date, check out our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.’

How to Sow and Plant

  • Direct sow on top of lightly raked soil 3-4 weeks before the average last spring frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frosts.
  • Columbine germinates best indoors.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 -1/4in deep in substrate.
  • Sprouts in 21-36 days.
  • The ideal soil temperature for germination is 65-70 F.

How to Grow

  • Columbine is hardy to zones 4a-8b.
  • Transplant into a partially shaded area, with moist well-draining soil, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart.
  • Columbine grows well in full sun, but benefits from shade in warmer climates.
  • Plants will die back to the ground for a dormant period. Mulch well before the ground freezes.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Columbine is deer resistant. They are sometimes affected by leaf miners. Be sure to remove any affected foliage.

How to Save Seeds

  • Mature flower petals will fall off exposing the seed pod.
  • Harvest the mature seed pods when they have turned from green to brown.
  • You may open and empty the pods or place them in a brown paper bag and shake them to release the seeds from their pods.
  • Each pod will encase many small, shiny, black seeds.
  • Store the seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.

FAQ

How long does columbine seed take to germinate, and where is the best place to start it?

Sprouting takes 21 to 36 days, so patience is required. Columbine germinates best indoors, sown ⅛ to ¼ inch deep in substrate, with an ideal soil temperature for germination of 65 to 70°F.

Is Barlow Purple with White Edge toxic to pets?

The variety description advises keeping it out of reach of pets, as it may be toxic to them in large quantities.

My columbine died back to the ground — is it gone?

No. Columbine is hardy to zones 4a-8b and dies back to the ground for a dormant period. Mulch well before the ground freezes. It is also deer resistant, though leaf miners sometimes affect it; be sure to remove any affected foliage.

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