Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: Elaine G on June 07, 2018, 23:46

Title: Aquilegia
Post by: Elaine G on June 07, 2018, 23:46

I've been looking for ideas for cut flowers for spring, and came upon the suggestion of Aquilegia Nora Barlow.
So, they were in my basket, as you do  :lol:when I decided to investigate a little further (most unlike me)
The growing instructions seem to say that you should sow the seeds in a pot then put into the fridge for a week or so, before removing and carrying on.

Now in reality that is never going to happen. I have got away with commandeering two spare bedrooms and a chunk of the garage but the fridge will be a step too far for he who normally keeps quiet!

So has anyone successfully germinated aquilegia seeds? Any tips for success that do not involve upsetting the other half gratefully received.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: snowdrops on June 08, 2018, 08:22

I’ve grown them from seed in the past & never put them in the fridge,I’ve sown some this year but can’t say whether they’ve germinated as yet as I am away until Saturday, I’ll take a look when I’m back & let you know, but all my flower seeds were really old seeds.

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: mumofstig on June 08, 2018, 09:17

They seed themselves about in the garden quite happily, so I would sow some in pot and leave them to it. That way they may decide to germinate soon or in the spring after winter cold but they can take weeks to germinate
Hints from Touchwood for sowing aquilegia (granny bonnets/columbine) seeds (http://www.touchwoodplants.co.uk/sowing%20aquilegias.htm)

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: jaydig on June 08, 2018, 11:21

I've never had any luck with growing from seed, but the ones in the garden spread about like weeds, so maybe I made too much fuss of them. I would be inclined to just do as MoS suggests.

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: Elaine G on June 10, 2018, 22:38

Thanks for the replies, I will go with mumofstig's advice and sow some in pots.

Thanks
Elaine

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: snowdrops on June 10, 2018, 23:01

Hi, checked today, mine are through

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: sunshineband on June 11, 2018, 09:16

That's good! Look forward to some lovely flowers next year then  :D :D

Title: Re: Aquilegia
Post by: snowdrops on June 11, 2018, 11:06

Ha spoke too soon, just found a 2nd ungerminated pot of them, I’ll keep it watered & see if they show eventually.