Aquilegia aff fragrans CC5233 available

[mark smyth]

Although these were open pollinated I have no other Aquilegias in the garden

[Lesley Cox]

A. fragrans is, I think, supposed to be yellow but 2 batches of seeds I've had, have been variable in colour, including like yours Mark but also more or less pale yellow, purple with white and pinkish with yellow. Doesn't seem to matter. They've all been quite short, attractive plants with a delicious perfume.

[mark smyth]

yes lovely scent but not short

[Lesley Cox]

Well, what is short? A bertolonii is about 8cms but A. chrysantha and others (McKana hybs for instance)can be darned near a metre. My fragrans seedlings are about 30-40cms.

[mark smyth]

my plants is 25 inches 65cm high

[David Nicholson]

I haven't tried Aquilegia from seed yet but I've read they are difficult. Any tips on sowing Lesley?

[Lesley Cox]

Wherever did you hear that David? If only it were true! Some species such as jonesii, scopulorum can be tricky but I don't have trouble germinating them, it's the growing on past flowering size that can be a bit of a task. Most others though are very easy from seed and I just sow on my usual seed mix and cover with a light layer of grit. If the seed is fresh they are quite quick to come through, otherwise, longer but come, they always do. The larger hybrid forms such as 'Nora Barlow' and the countless others which some seed firms supply are not only easy but can be a damned nuisance, seeding about among other plants; fine for a semi wild garden but if you want a bit of order, I'd avoid them. I have a friend who sells plants and I doubt if she ever releases a pot without there being a few aquilegia seedlings in it. Or some will certainly germinate there within a short time.

From the number Mark, I'd guess yours was a Chadwell collection? Mine was too, though not direct from Chadwell but through another source.

[mark smyth]

Yes a Chadwell collection and grown from his seeds by David Ledsham over here

[Tony Willis]

Mark I have the same plants from seed direct from Chadwell,they are very nice and about 30cms tall.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks Lesley.

[mark smyth]

and the scent is ?

I think it's very similar to some Dactylorhiza - fruity, vanilla

[Paul T]

I haven't tried Aquilegia from seed yet but I've read they are difficult. Any tips on sowing Lesley?

David,

Aquilegia germinate like weeds here out in the garden, although they have been slowly dying out the last few years as I have deadheaded them a bit too efficiently I think.  I'll have to start some new ones I think, as I am in danger of having none left at all the way it is going.  That said, they come up VERY easily from seed here, despite my less than ideal conditions which I think these should be accustomed to.