westland garden health logo

Consumer helpline 01480 443789

10am-4pm, Mon-Fri

How to Grow Aquilegia

A traditional cottage garden favourite, Aquilegia or Columbine is a hardy perennial available in a wide range of colours and flower types from fluffy doubles to long spurred hybrids like ‘McKana Long Spurred Hybrids‘.

When to Sow

Seeds should be sown undercover between February and July.

Where to Sow

Aquilegia can handle full sun, but do not like heat with dry soil.

How to Sow

Sow into a tray of Gro-Sure Seed & Cutting Compost and keep at around 10-15C (50-60F).

Pot on small plants once established and gradually acclimatise to outside conditions over 2-3 weeks.

Plant out once danger of frost has passed.

Plants will flower in the early summer between May and July and will self-seed easily, creating a natural effect.

Care

Pinch off each old flower but after the petals have begun wilting. Remove entire bus. Pinch back dead flowers once or twice a week during flowering season.

Cut back after flowers to half their height after they have completed their full bloom cycle.

Related articles

How to Care for a Venus Fly Trap

How to Care for a Venus Fly Trap

Caring for a Venus Fly Trap is much easier than you may think, follow our simple guide and watch as your new plant thrives!  ...

Best Summer Flowering Plants for your Garden

Best Summer Flowering Plants for your Garden

If you want to create a beautiful garden that bursts into bloom in the summer, the first step is choosing the right plants. We’ve pulled...

How to Plant up Hanging Baskets for Stunning Displays

How to Plant up Hanging Baskets for Stunning Displays

Glorious hanging baskets are a national institution – but how do you plant a basket that’s dressed to impress? How to plant up hanging baskets?...