Columbine, "McKana's Giant Mix" 1/4 lb

Aquilegia x hybrida. All America Selections Winner. Tall, graceful and intricate, long spurred blossoms are perfect for cutting. Nodding and dainty, the huge 8cm (3") wide blooms are held high above delicate foliage. This mix is marvelous in woodland plantings or any shady location. McKana's Giant Mix Columbine seeds bloom mid-spring to early summer.

White, cream, yellow, and red. Deadhead the seed pods before they open to control self-sowing. Or better yet, watch for them to open on the plants after they begin to dry out, and collect the seeds from the ornamental seed pods for planting around the garden or sharing with friends. Plant height 75cm (30").

• Perennial
• White, cream, yellow, and red
• Grows in full to part shade
• Marvelous in woodland plantings
• 8cm (3") blooms above delicate foliage

Direct sow in autumn or mid-winter. Seeds can be started indoors, but it’s more complicated: Sow seeds in flats of moistened, sterilized seed starting mix, and place these inside plastic bags in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Then sink the flats outdoors in the ground in a shady spot, and cover with glass. As seedlings appear, transplant them or pot them on. Germination takes 30-90 days.