Bartow Columbine

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Height: 30 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border

Description

A breeding breakthrough! The result of merging a full range of top quality Aquileglas, all selected for form, color and the best fragrance. Ideal for adding sweet "scentsation" to any border.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	late winter to early summer

Sow on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed sowing mix in pots or trays. Do not cover the seed. Keep at a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the mix moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1-3 months.

Sometimes slow to germinate. If no germination after 8 weeks, pre-chill for 3 weeks.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3 inch)pots or trays. Gradually acclimatize young plants to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, but at least 8 weeks before first fall frost, 23-30cm (9 to 12 inches) apart.

Aftercare Instructions

For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun.

Columbine

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Part shade
• Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Height: 18 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Cottage Garden

Description

Most unusual for an Aquilegia! Spurless, nodding flowers in shades of pink and purple which, when viewed from the behind, resemble a Clematis. Rarely offered from seed and something different for the cottage or perennial garden

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors in late winter to early summer

Surface sow in trays, pots, etc of good well draining seed sowing mix in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 65-70F (18-20C). Sometimes slow to germinate. If no germination after 8 weeks, pre-chill for 3 weeks.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. When plants have grown large enough, harden off and plant out 12in apart in moist well drained soil, sun or part shade, after last frost but at least 8 weeks before first fall frost.

Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a moist, well drained soil.

Wild Columbine

Aquilegia flabellata Rosea

Hardy Perennial

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Height: 8 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Containers, Rockery

Description

Extremely dwarf plants with attractive, nodding, rose-pink and cream flowers against unusual blue-green, fan shaped foliage. Ideal for planting at the front of borders or in containers and rock gardens. Height 15-20cm (6-8 inches).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	late winter to early summer

Sow seed on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed sowing mix in pots or trays. Do not cover the seed. Seal container inside a plastic bag and keep at a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the mix moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1 to 3 months.

Sometimes slow to germinate. If no germination after 8 weeks, pre-chill for 3 weeks.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Plant out once plants are well grown, 23-30cm (9-12in) apart, after last spring frost and at least 8 weeks before first fall frost.

Aftercare Instructions

For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun. Aquilegia canadensis seeds should be hand-sown into germination trays in greenhouse temperatures of 21^o to 24^oC (70^o to 75^oF). Germination will take place within 3 to 4 weeks, and supplemental lighting is not necessary. Soil in the germination trays must be kept evenly moist during germination. Fertilization may damage the foliage, so avoid application while in germination trays.

Seedlings can be transplanted into plug cells following a 3-4 week period of root development. Plugs will need to be cut back to allow for air circulation over the media surface. Approximately 2 weeks prior to outplanting, plants should be exposed to lower greenhouse, or frost-free outdoor, temperatures.

Although red columbine prefers soils that are well drained, loose, and slightly acidic, it will grow in medium that is loose and has a mixture of organic matter. It will not bloom during the first growing season.

Germination procedures can begin in August and as late as November. Outplanting should take place in the spring (April).