Aquilegia Caerulea Columbine Blue
Aquilegia Caerulea Columbine Blue is a large upright variety standing above deeply cut light green foliage with white petals and unusually showy spurs in a stunning powder blue. “Coerule” is Latin for “blue”. One of the easiest and most rewarding Perennials available producing long spurred blooms from late spring to early summer. Best grown in a sunny to partially shaded location, with a humus rich, slightly acidic soil. Height 75cm.
Cultivation Advice Aquilegia Caerulea Columbine Blue
- If not sown immediately keep the seed packet in a standard fridge to maximise the life of this seed type.
- To maximise germination seeds should cold-treated (stratified) first. Place the still-sealed packet in the salad drawer of the fridge for a week or two.
- Surface sow from February to June on fine free draining compost and very lightly cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or fine vermiculite.
- Early sowing’s of this variety may flower in their first year, with a main display from second year onward’s.
- Best placed in propagator 50-55 F or inside a clear polythene bag in order to maintain humidity. Exclude light until first seedlings show.
- When large enough to handle transplant into pots and grow Delphinium plants on gradually acclimatizing to outdoors conditions after all risk of frost has passed.
- Plant to final growing position when large enough 18 in apart in moist well drained soil in full sun sheltered from strong winds.
- Ensure young plants are protected from slugs and snails.