Columbine Barlow mix
Columbine Barlow mix
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100 Seeds
Seeding Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Barlow Mix' (commonly known as Columbine ‘Barlow Mix’) is a lovely way to add elegant, double, spurless flowers in a range of colors—including blue, purple, white, pink, and burgundy—to your garden. This heirloom-style variety is loved for its nodding, star-shaped blooms, lacy foliage, and ability to self-seed naturally in cottage-style or shady gardens.
🌸 Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Barlow Mix' – Seeding Guide
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Hardy perennial (zones 3–9) |
| Height | 60–80 cm (24–32 in) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer (May–June) |
| Flower Colors | Mixed: white, pink, purple, blue, burgundy |
| Foliage | Delicate, ferny, mounded |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun (in cool climates) |
| Use | Borders, cottage gardens, woodland edges |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds |
🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions
1. When to Sow
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Indoors: 10–12 weeks before last frost (best for year-one blooms)
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Outdoors:
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Fall: Direct sow for natural cold stratification
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Spring: Direct sow after danger of frost, but germination may be slower
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2. Seed Preparation (Cold Stratification Needed)
Columbine seeds germinate best after a period of cold.
🔹 Artificial Stratification (for indoor sowing)
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Place seeds in a moist paper towel or vermiculite inside a plastic bag
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Refrigerate for 3–4 weeks
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Then sow indoors as described below
🌿 Alternatively, fall sowing outdoors will let nature do this for you!
3. Indoor Sowing (After Cold Stratification)
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Containers | Seed trays or small pots with drainage |
| Soil | Light, well-draining seed-starting mix |
| Sowing Depth | Surface sow; lightly press into soil (don’t cover—needs light) |
| Temperature | 15–18°C (59–65°F) |
| Light | Bright indirect light or under grow lights |
| Germination | 14–30 days (sometimes longer—be patient!) |
4. After Germination
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Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves
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Harden off for 7–10 days before planting outdoors
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Avoid disturbing roots—Columbines dislike transplanting once large
5. Planting Outdoors
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Spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart
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Site: Partial shade is ideal; tolerates full sun in cool climates
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Soil: Moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
☀️ Growing Conditions
| Factor | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Light | Partial shade preferred |
| Soil | Humus-rich, moist, well-drained |
| Water | Moderate – do not let dry out completely |
| Fertilizer | Compost in spring or light liquid feed |
✂️ Care Tips
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Deadhead to prolong blooming and control self-seeding
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Let some seed heads ripen if you want natural reseeding
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Cut back spent foliage in midsummer to encourage fresh growth
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May bloom lightly in the first year, heavier in year two and beyond
🌸 Bonus Benefits
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Excellent for pollinator gardens
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Blends beautifully in cottage, woodland, and shady borders
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Naturalizes gently without becoming invasive
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Pairs well with hostas, ferns, digitalis, brunnera, and pulmonaria
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