Swan Mix Columbine Seed

Swan MixColumbine Seed

Large outward-facing blooms make superb bouquet columbines
Mixed red, burgundy, blue, and yellow flowers mingle
Cut-leaf foliage adds delicate garden texture
Shade-tolerant perennials resist deer and rabbits

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Aquilegia caerulea

Days to maturity

154-196 Days

Sun

Partial

Packet

10 Seeds

Zones 3–10 Check your growing zone

About Swan Mix, Columbine Seed, Columbine Seed

Swan Mix columbines is the best for bouquet cutting. Large, out-facing blooms of red, burgundy, blue or yellow with attractive cut-leaf foliage. Large outward-facing blooms make superb bouquet columbines. Mixed red, burgundy, blue, and yellow flowers mingle. Cut-leaf foliage adds delicate garden texture. Shade-tolerant perennials resist deer and rabbits.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

21–30 days

Germination Type

C30 - Cold Moist 30 Days

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 3-10

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Clumping, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

22,500

Color

Multicolor

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Before planting Columbine, select a site with morning sun or bright partial shade, protection from harsh afternoon heat, and moist but well-drained soil. Incorporate compost and prepare a fine, weed-free bed without burying tree roots or creating soggy conditions. Confirm any seed chilling or light-germination requirement before sowing columbine.

Planting

Sow columbine outdoors in fall or start indoors according to its germination requirement; many perennial species benefit from a cool period before warmth. Maintain even moisture during germination and provide bright light after emergence. Harden indoor-grown seedlings before planting outdoors. Transplant while young to minimize root disturbance, and thin direct sowings after sturdy true leaves develop.

Watering

Provide consistent moisture for columbine without saturating the soil. Water at the base before plants wilt, increasing frequency during heat, wind, or peak flowering.

Fertilizer

Fertilize columbine modestly as new spring growth begins, following soil-test recommendations. Stop after midsummer so late tender growth does not reduce winter hardiness.

Harvesting

Columbine flowers are ready when stems are firm and blooms show mature color without fading. Cut during cool, dry conditions; for seed, leave selected heads until brown and dry.

Tips

Mulch columbine after the ground cools in cold climates, keeping material away from the crown. Remove winter-damaged growth in spring and divide overcrowded plants as needed.

Pests & Diseases

Columbine commonly develops powdery mildew and leaf spots; Pythium root rot occurs in wet beds. Remove blemished leaves after flowering and let clean basal growth replace them. Mosaic-like distortion or unusual color breaking may indicate virus—discard those plants instead of dividing or saving their seed.

Columbine can attract aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, and slugs. Scout flowers and new growth regularly, handpick when practical, and protect beneficial insects with targeted controls.