Columbine William Guiness

Columbine William Guiness — variety description

Columbine William Guiness (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a perennial flower of the Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). The flower is not demanding and is easy to grow.

Most of the numerous and graceful species are perennial herbaceous plants.

Aquilegia (columbine) is a delicate perennial flower with characteristic spurred blooms for partly shaded corners. It self-seeds and flowers for years.

Key features

• Measured germination rate of the batch: 86%
• Seeds per packet: 119–161 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: Poland
• Sowing: January – March and September and October; seedlings
• Flowering: April and May
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Columbine William Guiness

Columbine William Guiness seeds are sown in January – March and September and October. The plants flower in April and May. The months are a guide for a temperate climate — in warmer areas sow 1–2 weeks earlier, in cooler or upland areas, later.

How to sow and grow Columbine William Guiness

• Sowing method: seedlings
• Depth: on the surface
• Spacing: 30–40 cm
• Germination: 21–42 days; cold stratification needed
• Position: sun to partial shade

It is planted in soil made of equal parts peat, garden soil, sand and leaf mould. The soil is loosened, the seeds are placed on it and lightly sprinkled with the same soil. The flower blooms longest in partial shade.

Cold stratification for 3–4 weeks in a refrigerator significantly improves germination. Flowers from the second year.

Flowering and uses

Flowers in May–June.

Frequently asked questions

When should Columbine William Guiness be sown?

The recommended months for sowing are January – March and September and October. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 119–161 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 86%. The test was carried out under controlled laboratory conditions; in the field, emergence depends on soil, temperature and moisture.

How are aquilegia seeds sown?

Sow them in a moist substrate, keep them in a refrigerator for 3–4 weeks, then move them to 15–20 °C.