Greetings, dedicated cultivator. I am Aquilegia, commonly known as Columbine. I appreciate your desire to expand our presence in your garden. To do so, you may employ two primary methods: by dividing my mature self or by sowing my seeds. Each technique offers a different experience and timeline. Allow me to explain the process from my perspective.
This is the process of carefully splitting my mature root mass into several smaller, independent plants. I must be at least three years old, well-established, and healthy to undergo this procedure. The ideal time for this is in the early spring, just as my new foliage begins to emerge from the earth, or in the early autumn after I have finished my summer rest. Please be gentle; my roots, while sturdy, do not appreciate excessive handling.
Begin by using a garden fork to loosen the soil in a wide circle around my base. Gently lift my entire root system from the ground. You will notice my central crown with multiple growing points (eyes) and a network of roots. Using a sharp, clean knife or spade, carefully divide me into sections. Each new division must have a healthy portion of roots and at least two or three growing points. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth I was previously growing, water thoroughly, and keep the soil consistently moist as we establish ourselves in our new locations. This method allows you to create clones of me that will flower in the coming season.
This method harnesses my natural reproductive cycle. My seeds develop in pods after my flowers fade in late spring or early summer. You may collect these seeds once the pods have dried and turned brown, just before they split open. For the best chance of success, my seeds require a period of cold stratification. This mimics the natural winter conditions I need to break my dormancy.
You can achieve this by sowing my seeds directly in the garden in the late fall, allowing winter's chill to naturally prepare us. Alternatively, for more controlled conditions, place my seeds in a moistened medium like sand or vermiculite inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate us for 4-6 weeks. After this cold period, sow us on the surface of a fine, well-draining seed starting mix, as we require light to germinate. Gently press us into the soil but do not cover. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (around 70°F or 21°C). We will typically germinate in 30-90 days. Once we have developed a few true leaves, you can carefully transplant us to individual pots to grow stronger before moving us to our permanent home in the garden. Be aware that if you are propagating a hybrid variety, my seedlings may not come true to the parent plant's color or form.
Whether you choose division or seed, your care is crucial for our success. Please plant us in a location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. We prefer dappled sunlight or partial shade, though we can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Water us regularly after planting to help our roots settle into their new environment. Once established, we are quite drought-tolerant. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is appreciated. With your care, we will reward you with our unique, nodding blooms for seasons to come.
