Aquilegia Seeds

Aquilegia are sometimes known as granny’s bonnets or even columbines. An easy to grow flower, flowering in early summer, aquilegia till summer. They self-seed readily, and look wonderful naturalised amongst shrubs and roses, and grow well in shade. However, the plants interbreed freely and seedlings rarely resemble the parents. If you’d rather avoid this, deadhead plants after flowering to prevent self-seeding.

Where should I plant Aquilegias?

Aquilegias are really woodland plants, normally found on the edge of woods. So the best place to plant them is in partial shade in a fertile, well-drained but moist soil.

When to plant Aquilegia seeds

This hardy perennial needs to be sown between March and June indoors in a cold frame for flowering between May and June the following year. Aquilegia seeds should take around 30 to 90 days to germinate, in which time they should be covered in a polythene sheet.

After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into trays and plants 5cm apart. When large enough, the plants can be transplanted outside at least 38cm apart in a sunny or partially shaded area. (May also be sown directly outdoors between April to June.)

Their pretty flowers make of lovely displays of cut flowers, so Aquilegia not only look amazing in the garden they will grace your home as well.