Oriental Columbine Seeds (Aquilegia oxysepala)

Single Packet of 500 Seeds

Grow Oriental Columbine from fresh Aquilegia oxysepala flower seeds. Oriental Columbine plants will produce beautiful, double petaled blooms that span 1 to 2 inches wide. The outer petals are a violet color, accented with peach colored inner petals. Oriental Columbine plants will reach a mature height of about 24 to 30 inches tall. The plants will form mounds of stems and foliage, grown from 4 to 5 seeds per mound. Each collection of Oriental Columbine plants can spread roughly 18 inches wide.

Aquilegia / Columbine plants are grown as a perennial flowering plant, meaning that they will establish a deep root system to regrow the following growing season. Most varieties of Aquilegia may not bloom the first year, however the wait is well worth it. These beauties will attract an array of beneficial insects such as butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds, ladybugs & more.

The seeds can be a bit tricky to grow, but with the proper germination techniques, nothing is impossible. Aquilegia flower seeds can be stored in cold storage for a number of weeks prior to sowing. This process of stratification helps trick the seeds into an otherwise natural wintering process.

Quick Facts

• Type: Flower
• Color: Violet & peach
• Height: 24" - 30" Tall
• Width: 18" Spread
• Season: Perennial
• Zones: 3 to 9
• Environment: Full sun / partial shade
• Uses: In flower beds, or for use as a border plant along fences, walkways and driveways. Attracts beneficial insects such as butterflies, bees etc.

Sowing The Seed

Oriental Columbine can be a bit tricky to germinate from seed. However, as explained above, a period of stratification can boost your success rates. Place the seed packet in the fridge for roughly 4 weeks prior to sowing. Once stratification has been completed, you may begin sowing your Oriental Columbine seeds indoors or directly outdoors. We recommend sowing indoors, in peat pots 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost. Sow the Columbine seeds directly to the surface of the soil, in groups of 4 to 5 per pot. Direct sunlight is crucial in the germination process. Transplant peat pots or direct sow outdoors when the weather is warm and all danger of frost has passed.

Growing Conditions

Oriental Columbine plants will enjoy an area of full sunlight to partial shade. They also thrive in temperatures of at least 65F to 70F and will require a fertile soil. You must also make sure that the sowing medium or soil is well draining as well. To improve drainage in areas that consist of hard, compact soil, we recommend adding a light compost to the sowing area. Water the seeds daily until germination has occurred.

Germination & Growth

Oriental Columbine can be slow to germinate, taking anywhere between 14 to 28 days or more. However, if you have followed through with the stratification process, they should pop up with no problems at all. The plants will reach an approximate height of roughly 24 to 30 inches tall and can spread 18 inches wide. The seeds, as explained prior, can be grouped together in collections of 4 or 5 to produce 1 plant. Space the plants roughly 12 to 18 inches apart. After the first year of growth, you can begin enjoying the beautiful blooms of the Oriental Columbine, as well as the butterflies that come with it.