Common Columbine Blue

Common Columbine Blue: variety and characteristics

Common Columbine Blue (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: 82%
• Seeds per packet: 136–184 pcs (0.2 g)
• Seed origin: China
• Sowing: February and March; seedlings
• Flowering: May – July
• Position: sun to partial shade

When to sow Common Columbine Blue

Common Columbine Blue seeds are sown in February and March. The plants flower from May to July. 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 Common Columbine Blue

• 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 Common Columbine Blue be sown?

The recommended sowing months are February and March. Sowing method: seedlings.

How many seeds are in the packet?

The packet contains 136–184 seeds, pack size 0.2 g.

What is the germination rate of the seeds?

The measured germination rate of this batch is 82%. 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.