Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' Seeds - Columbine, 25 seeds

Quantity: 25 Seeds / pack

Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen', the golden columbine, bears masses of bright golden-yellow flowers up to 3 inches across, held upright rather than nodding, each with very long, outward-curving spurs and a bouquet of yellow anthers. Blooms rise on long stems above ferny, mid-green foliage on plants 2 to 3 feet tall.

Slightly fragrant and tolerant of more sun and heat than many columbines, 'Yellow Queen' brightens lightly shaded borders and cottage gardens in late spring to early summer, and self-sows gently if not deadheaded.

Why choose our seeds?

• Bright golden-yellow, upward-facing blooms with exceptionally long spurs
• Slightly fragrant; more heat- and sun-tolerant than many columbines
• Graceful ferny foliage; good for lightly shaded borders and cut flowers

How to grow Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen' seeds

Choose Your Planting Method

• Indoors: Start indoors in late winter to spring.
• Outdoors: Sow directly in the garden in spring after frost danger, or in late summer to early autumn.

Prepare Your Materials

• Seed-starting trays or pots (if indoors)
• Well-draining potting mix
• Spray bottle for misting

Sowing the Seeds

• Cover seeds lightly with fine compost and water well.
• For better germination, chill the sown seeds in a refrigerator for about 3 weeks, then move to warmth.

Provide the Right Conditions

• Light: Bright, indirect light; light to moderate shade suits growing plants, especially in hot climates.
• Temperature: 60–70°F (15–21°C) after chilling.
• Humidity: Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Germination

• Germination is slow and variable — often 3 to 6 weeks, sometimes longer.
• Transplant carefully when seedlings are large enough to handle.

Transplanting

• Plant out in autumn or the following spring after hardening off.
• Spacing: About 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

Care Tips

• Sun: Light to moderate shade; tolerates considerable sun with adequate moisture.
• Water: Regular moisture in fertile, well-drained soil; dislikes waterlogged ground.
• Fertilizer: Compost at planting is enough; avoid heavy feeding.
• Deadhead to reduce self-seeding, or leave heads to naturalize. Cut foliage back if it declines in midsummer heat.

Bloom Time:

Blooms for weeks in late spring to early summer, generally from the second year.