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Columbine Barlow mix

Columbine Barlow mix

1.250 KWD
1.250 KWD
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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

  • Indoors: 10–12 weeks before last frost (best for year-one blooms)

  • Outdoors:

    • Fall: Direct sow for natural cold stratification

    • Spring: Direct sow after danger of frost, but germination may be slower

2. Seed Preparation (Cold Stratification Needed)

Columbine seeds germinate best after a period of cold.

🔹 Artificial Stratification (for indoor sowing)

  1. Place seeds in a moist paper towel or vermiculite inside a plastic bag

  2. Refrigerate for 3–4 weeks

  3. 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

  • Transplant seedlings when they have 2–3 true leaves

  • Harden off for 7–10 days before planting outdoors

  • Avoid disturbing roots—Columbines dislike transplanting once large

5. Planting Outdoors

  • Spacing: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart

  • Site: Partial shade is ideal; tolerates full sun in cool climates

  • 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

  • Deadhead to prolong blooming and control self-seeding

  • Let some seed heads ripen if you want natural reseeding

  • Cut back spent foliage in midsummer to encourage fresh growth

  • May bloom lightly in the first year, heavier in year two and beyond

🌸 Bonus Benefits

  • Excellent for pollinator gardens

  • Blends beautifully in cottage, woodland, and shady borders

  • Naturalizes gently without becoming invasive

  • Pairs well with hostas, ferns, digitalis, brunnera, and pulmonaria


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