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Presumably they won't flower next year??

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Aquilegia (Columbine): When do you seed them, Fall or Spring?


Only if you sow them early Jan. inside in pots & pamper them, etc, then you might, just might, get them to flower in the first year, some time around late July.

Some of mine do, bit its a bit hit and miss and also depends on the weather, you need a good warm sunny spring, with moderate rainfall.

I sowed mine fresh last summer, Tim, and they flowered this year.  Of course it's warmer down here but you might be lucky.   :)

G x

Nothing to lose - just pricked these out.

Well they certainly look healthy, Tim.   ;D

G x

I've collected seeds from the ones in my garden, some self-seeded ones and one i bought. I heard that they don't grow true from seed. What are people's experiences of what the seedlings grow into? similar flowers or quite varied?

 I sowed some beauties after seeng them on here (forget who who put the pic on). They are the popsh spurred ones that come in lovely dual colours. At the moment they are about 4" high and have about 8 leaves. Would I be ok to leave them to the elements or protect them over the winter.

I am no expert but Aquilegias will cross-pollinate so I don't think you can guarantee colourways from self collected seeds unless you grow them in isolation. 

As far as I know they are hardy perennials so whilst they die down over winter they should come back in the spring without any need for protection. 

G x

You can sow seeds in the autumn for flowers the following year, but they need protecting from the winter and frost myn are in the greenhouse at the moment.

Once the risk of frosts have gone plant them where you want, Aquilegia also like a bit of partial shade and will grow well in most soil conditions.

Have a look here at www.touchwoodplants.co.uk What Carrie Thomas doesn't know about Aquilegia isn't worth knowing, she is very helpful.