Aquilegia caerulea, 'Kristall'

Germination

Sow indoors. Sow onto the surface of moist well-drained seed compost. Cover with a fine layer of vermiculite. Do not exclude light as this aids germination. Propagate at 15-21°C. Germination takes 1-3 months and can be erratic. If germination does not occur cold stratify, move to 5°C for 4 weeks then return to warmth. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed. Autumn sowings should be sown into 8cm pots and placed in a cold frame for overwintering to be planted out the following spring with 30cm spacing.

Growing

Ideal in any soil as long as it is moist but well draining. Water until established, then requires only weekly watering.

Cultivation

Deadhead regularly to extend flowering and encourage further blooms. Also deadhead if you do not wish to self-seed. Can be divided in spring if required but plants are slow to recover.