Columbine, Blue (Aquilegia caerulea). 50 Seeds
Blue Columbine seeds, also known as Aquilegia caerulea, are easy to grow perennials that thrive in partial sun and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. They produce beautiful blue and white flowers and are the state flower of Colorado. This plant is not only beautiful but also attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Common Names: Colorado Blue Columbine, Colorado Columbine
Latin Name: Aquilegia caerulea
Species Origin: Native Wildflower of the United States
Type: Native Wildflowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Seeds per Ounce: 27,000
Stratification: Cold/Wet for 8 Weeks
Germination Ease: Requires 8 Weeks of Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Plant Height: 24-36 inches
Plant Spacing: 12 inches
Color: White, Blue
Bloom Season: Blooms in Late Spring, Blooms in Early Summer
Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Honeybees, Hummingbirds, and is Deer Resistant
Sowing: In early fall, you can directly sow the seeds just beneath the soil's surface. If you're planting in spring, mix the seeds with some damp sand and pop them in the fridge for 60 days before sowing them directly after the last frost. You can also start these Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine seeds indoors by planting them just below the surface of a flat and keeping them at a temperature of 60-65 degrees F until they germinate; just make sure the soil stays lightly moist.
Growing: Plant Aquilegia Caerulea seeds in rich, moist, well-drained soil, and give them full sun or partial shade; they really like a break from the harsh midday sun. Keep the seedlings well-watered and manage any weeds. Once they mature, these plants can handle a bit of dryness, but make sure to water them during the hot summer months. If it gets really hot and humid, the plants might wilt since they prefer cooler weather and can handle light frosts. Seeds will produce flowers in their second year. After they bloom, the leaves will die back. You can divide established plants, but they self-sow easily, and any volunteer plants can be moved without much hassle. If you don’t want new plants, just deadhead the spent flowers. These beauties attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, and they’re not appealing to deer. Their natural habitat in rocky areas makes them perfect for rock gardens.
Harvesting: Columbine is a gorgeous cut flower. Pick blossoms that have just opened for the best vase life. Just remember, this plant can be toxic, so it shouldn’t be eaten.
