Semiaquilegia ecalcarata

Germination

Sow in a cold frame in autumn, sow indoors at any time. In a cold frame, surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover seed with a sprinkling of soil. Allow natural winter cold to offer ideal conditions for germination to occur in spring as the weather warms. Indoors, mix seed with damp vermiculite and place in a zip-lock style freezer bag and cold stratify at 4°C, a fridge is ideal, for 6 weeks. Remove to warmth for germination. Ideal temp. 20°C. Germination takes 1-2 weeks from this point. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on under glass. Acclimatise and plant out after danger of frost has passed.

Growing

Prefers any moist but well-drained soil in full or partial sun. Prefers afternoon dappled sun.

Cultivation

Will self-sow freely. Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season. This is a short-lived perennial but it can remain in the garden through self-seeding.