skip to main content

Age old Columbine seed

16 years ago

I am posting to see if anyone is familiar with Columbine seed viability past one year- 2 years since collection. I collected Columbine seeds and saved them in an envelope, they were forgotten along with moving from apartment living to our permanent home. My husband and I found them in a special keepsake box from a few years ago. I am pretty sure they are over 2 years old.

My thought was giving them a chance and broadcasting them onto bare sandy soil in early May and seeing what happens. I believe it's still better to give them a chance now than never.

Also if this fails, would a fall sowing of fresh seed directly into the sandy soil bed, or pampering them inside over winter work better for a winter that is known to hit -15?

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

ramazz
16 years ago
According to this website, columbine (aquilegia)seeds are viable for about 2 years. I actually think I have planted some that were older than that and had minimal germination. I usually wintersow mine (in containers rather than direct sowing) and have excellent results.

Becky

Here is a link that might be useful: Longevity of seeds in ideal storage
terrene
16 years ago
I've wintersown Aquilegia canadensis, A. chrysantha, and A. caerulea, all native Columbines, using fresh seed and get lots of seedlings. I've got lots of little A. caerulea sprouts this Spring. Columbine can be sporadic to germinate sometimes. It reseeds a bit in the garden and I discover little seedlings here and there.

Longevity of the seed depends partly on how the they are stored. I store mine in a drawer in the fridge and throw dessicants in the seed bags and the drawer. I've had excellent germination on some old seeds, much older than listed on the website above. I've germinated tomatoes, basil, parsley, savory, zinnias, sunflowers, and other seeds that were more than 10 years old.

Not sure how yours will germinate, but it's worth a try if you're curious.
Related Discussions
Have Columbine Seeds
Q
Comments (2)
Hi Knotz columbine are my all time fav plant..will you look at my list, AND I do have things off the list..my daughter has to type the list for me, and only adds a bit at a time..
...See More
columbine seeds..how 'old' is old?
Q
Comments (1)
I think you'll find you have better germination with your columbine seeds if you do give them a period of moist cold first...Easy enough to do if you put them in a tiny zip lock with a tsp or so of moist sterile sand or moist sterile vermiculite and place that in your refrigerator (3-4 weeks) - then sow the entire contents of the bag if you wish and proceed indoors with lights as you had planned. After a year, your seeds should still be viable but rough rule of thumb is - the older the seed the more likely they may benefit from stratifying, not the other way around. Exceptions of course, but as far as I know columbine/aquilegia isn't one of them.
...See More
Columbine Seeds
Q
Comments (12)
My 'black barlow' has seeded around well. Most of them are similar to the parent. Some are more purple than black, and they usually have the multiple layers, like the parent. I also have a Nora Barlow seedling, which has multiple layers, but not as many. Her seedlings are mixed, some double or triple and some single. One of my 'black barlow' seedlings that just bloomed has really neat almost burgundy petals and bright yellow anthers. They are double, but the flower doesn't look like the other Barlows. Seeds of columbine aren't always "true" to the parents, but the "accidents" are sometimes cool. I'll try and get a picture tomorrow. (my daughter appropriately calls them "mystery flowers") Not that any of this is helpful or answers the question... I've found that broadcasting seeds of columbine gets you plenty of seedlings. However, for best results I would broadcast some and wintersow the rest. And it probably goes without saying, but don't mulch over your seeds.
...See More
saving columbine seeds
Q
Comments (8)
I have a deep magenta color and the yellow and lite pink version if anyone wants some seeds. I also put a mixed portion together - I cut all the seed pods and put them in one bag. It would be a surprise when they come up. :) I will pay the postage. I have old postage stamps from 19 years ago and am trying to use them up so postage is on me. Just email me your address and I will get them out to you. I live in Dallas. Happy Gardening This post was edited by Gretchen7 on Wed, Jul 23, 14 at 12:14
...See More
Daisy1212
12 years ago
"According to this website, columbine (aquilegia)seeds are viable for about 2 years. I actually think I have planted some that were older than that and had minimal germination. I usually wintersow mine (in containers rather than direct sowing) and have excellent results. "

Very intresting information! I didnt know that! Thanks:)

Here is a link that might be useful: pranie dywanÃ³w wrocÅaw

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

DIY PROJECTS The Family Home: 8 DIY Projects for All Ages

By Danyelle Mathews

Banish "I'm boooored" with these delightfully simple home decor projects that you can do with your kids

MODERN STYLE Out-of-This-World Decorating: Space Age Style for Today

Set starbursts and more around your personal universe for a look alight with imagination

EDIBLE GARDENS Why Grow Quince? For Beauty, Fragrance and Old-Time Flavor

By Marianne Lipanovich

Delightfully perfumed fruit and lovely spring blossoms make this apple and pear cousin worth a spot in the garden

KITCHEN DESIGN New and Old Mix It Up in a Historic Farmhouse Kitchen

By Jeannie Matteucci

A couple rethink the kitchen in their Pennsylvania farmhouse to restore authenticity while also creating a space for modern living

GARDENING GUIDES The Poop Scoop: Enrich Your Soil With Good Old Manure

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Get over the ick factor already — this natural super-ingredient for soil has so many benefits, you'll wonder why you ever went chemical

FALL GARDENING Be Your Own Wildflower Nursery

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Gather seeds from your garden in fall, and you'll have a selection of plants for next year — without spending a dime

GARDENING GUIDES Unleash Your Guerilla Gardener

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Toss some seed bombs around the yard for easy, beneficial plantings

KITCHEN DESIGN Choose Your Kitchen Cabinet Glass

By Lisa Frederick

Textured? Frosted? Seeded? Find the cabinet glass style that will set off your kitchen to its best advantage

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Innovative Home Reunites Generations Under One Roof

By Annie Thornton

Parents build a bright and sunny modern house where they can age in place alongside their 3 grown children and significant others

Sponsored

More Discussions

cold stratification?

1