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| Aquilegia | Common name; Columbine / Granny's Bonnet |
A hardy herbaceous perennial, bearing long spurred flowers in May and June and in a wide range of colours as can be seen here.
The flowers can sometimes be 75mm (3") long and the plants can grow up to 900mm (36") tall.
Cultural notes;
Week 27; Cut flower stems down to ground level after flowering.
If required for propagation, collect seed prior to disposing of tops.
Week 25; Sow ripe seeds in boxes / trays and lightly cover then place in a cold frame.
Alternatively wait until Week 11 the following year, and germinate at 16°-20°C (61°-68°F)
Germination should take around 2-3 weeks.
n.b. Seeds gathered (Week 31/32)from a particular variety may not come true to type.
Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle (Week 28/16) into boxes or trays of potting compost, and grow on in a cold frame until planting out time.
Week 35; Plant out aquilegias 300mm. (12") apart in a sunny or partially shaded position in a moist, well-drained fertile soil
Week 40; Increase stock by dividing established plants now, or wait until around week 15-18 the following year.
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