Columbine Seeds,
Double Mixed

51 ReviewSKU #FL765 · 50 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.75
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.75
Save $-3.75
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING, 2-YEAR GUARANTEE


Description

(Aquilegia vulgaris). Herbaceous perennial; hardy from zones 4a to 8b. This is the kind of flower you might remember tucked along a fence or beneath an apple tree, blooming faithfully each spring. Double Mix brings together a gentle assortment of colors—deep blues, soft pinks, creamy whites, and purples—all dressed up in those full, double layers that give the blooms a ruffled, almost heirloom lace look. Columbine has long been cherished in cottage gardens for its graceful, nodding flowers and easy nature, returning year after year with very little fuss. It’s a plant that feels both delicate and dependable, filling the garden with quiet beauty just as the season begins to warm.

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

Columbine germinates best after a cold period. Sow outdoors in fall or winter and let winter do the chilling, or chill the seed in a moist medium for 3-4 weeks before starting it indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of your last spring frost. Press the seed into the surface and barely cover it; expect 21-36 days to sprout. It usually blooms in its second year after establishing strong roots in its first growing season. If you're not sure of your area's last frost date, give our blog post ‘Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources’ a read.

How to Sow and Plant

To prepare columbine seeds for sowing, place the seeds in moistened trays and refrigerate for 3-4 weeks before sowing. After stratification, sow seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep in seed trays or directly in the garden. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. It usually takes 21-36 days at 65-70 F. If starting indoors, place seedlings in bright, indirect light. Space the plants about 10-12 inches apart.

How to Grow

Water deeply when the top inch of soil dries out, but avoid overwatering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring encourages stronger growth. Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, as they may cause leafy growth over flower production. Deadhead spent blooms to help prolong flowering and prevent aggressive self-seeding. If you want Columbine to naturalize in your garden, allow some seed pods to mature and drop their seeds. In late fall, cut back dead foliage to encourage fresh spring growth.

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

Can Double Mixed columbine be grown in containers?

Yes, columbine grows well in pots with well-draining soil. Use a container with drainage holes and water regularly, as potted plants dry out faster than those in the ground.

Is Double Mixed columbine toxic to pets?

Keep columbine plants and seed out of reach of pets, as the plant, especially the seed and roots, may be toxic if eaten. Contact your veterinarian if an animal ingests any part of it.

Can Double Mixed columbine tolerate hot weather?

Columbine prefers cooler temperatures and struggles in excessive heat. In hot climates, plant it in partial shade and use mulch to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Browse our full range of columbine seeds.

Customer reviews

5 / 5 1 Review