Columbine Mix

About Columbine Mix

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) is a striking perennial flower that adds elegance and charm to any garden. With its delicate, nodding blooms in a wide range of colours, this mix provides a dynamic display each spring and early summer. The tall, airy stems and uniquely spurred flowers make it a favourite among gardeners and pollinators alike.

These hardy plants self-seed easily, ensuring a continuous presence in garden beds, borders, and wildflower meadows. When grown from seed, columbines take two years to bloom, rewarding patience with spectacular floral displays that attract hummingbirds and beneficial insects.

Where Can You Grow Columbine Mix?

Columbine thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is well-suited to woodland gardens, perennial flower beds, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

History and Historical Uses

Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, columbines have been cultivated for centuries for their ornamental beauty and ecological benefits. Traditionally, they have been associated with wildflower meadows and cottage gardens, where they provide an important nectar source for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 8-9: Direct sow in autumn or early spring for early blooms.
Zones 5-7: Start seeds indoors in late winter or direct sow in spring after the last frost.
Zones 3-4: Direct sow in spring or mulch plants heavily to protect roots over winter.

How to Grow and Harvest Columbine Mix

1. Planting: Sow seeds 3mm (1/8in) deep, spacing plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.
2. Watering: Keep soil evenly moist until plants establish, then reduce watering.
3. Flowering: Plants bloom in their second year, after establishing strong root systems.
4. Maintenance: Allow some flowers to self-seed naturally for long-term blooms.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

1. Allow to Flower and Seed: Leave some flower heads to fully mature and dry on the plant.
2. Harvest Seeds: Once seed pods dry and turn brown, collect them before they release seeds naturally.
3. Dry and Clean: Remove seeds from pods and spread them on a towel to dry completely.
4. Store: Store dried seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 3 years.

Certified Organic By

Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)