Description
McKana Giants Columbine Seeds 6415. Open Pollinated. Perennial.
Approx. 60 seeds/pkt (800 seeds/gram)
Many coloured, long spurred 10 cm wide blooms are very plentiful on these sturdy 75 cm high plants. Wide range of uses as the plants enjoy sun to light shade conditions. Colours include white, cream, rose, violet, yellow and red. Excellent specimens for cutting. Usually hardy to Zone 2 with protection. Thrives Zone 3 and up without protection. For many native and perennial plants, late fall is the best time to sow seed directly outside. Why you ask? Simply put, many of these plants produce seed that is viable but dormant. This means allowing seeds to naturally stratify over window will “wake up” the dormant seed for best results.
How to Grow
For best results chill seed for 3 to 4 days at 5° C prior to sowing. Start early indoors in a soil-less mix. Keep at 20-22° C for the 21-25 day germination period then grow on under lights at a cooler temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside. Seed can also be sown directly into the garden in June or again in August and early September for bloom the following year. Do not cover seed as light is beneficial for germination. Columbine prefers moist soil in light shade but will tolerate full sun except for hot, dry areas. Plant 30-45 cm apart, feed monthly and keep well watered.
