Common Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) seeds
- Beautifully blooming, rare wild plant. Since the Middle Ages planted in European gardens as a decorative plant. Since then, many varieties have emerged.
- Contents: Approx. 200 seeds
- Open-pollinated variety, seed tested regularly
Regular price:
€2.49
Product number: 1324 GTIN: 4250601209890
Description
The Common Columbine is native to Europe and a rather unpretentious perennial with beautiful purple flowers, which are particularly attractive for bees because of their high nectar content. It grows very well at various locations but has nowadays become quite rare in the wild and, therefore, a protected species in many countries.
Historically, the plant has been used as a remedy for scurvy but it plays only a minor role in current herbal medicine since parts of the plant contain slightly poisonous alkaloids. Regardless of its medicinal effect, however, it is very suitable as a tea plant, since its sweet flowers taste outstanding in herbal teas.
In European mythology, the columbine has alleged the ability to enhance love charms, and it was used in magic amulets. Its seeds were added to aphrodisiac perfumes and supposedly even chewed by courtesans at royal courts all over Europe. In ancient Rome, the vestal priestesses were not allowed to even approach the plant.
Historically, the plant has been used as a remedy for scurvy but it plays only a minor role in current herbal medicine since parts of the plant contain slightly poisonous alkaloids. Regardless of its medicinal effect, however, it is very suitable as a tea plant, since its sweet flowers taste outstanding in herbal teas.
In European mythology, the columbine has alleged the ability to enhance love charms, and it was used in magic amulets. Its seeds were added to aphrodisiac perfumes and supposedly even chewed by courtesans at royal courts all over Europe. In ancient Rome, the vestal priestesses were not allowed to even approach the plant.
Plant profile
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Species | Ranunculaceae |
| Characteristics | Very resistant to slugs and snails |
| Eventual height | 40-80 cm |
| Flower colour | Blue |
| Flowering months | July, June, May |
| Root system | Rhizome |
Growing instructions
| When to sow outdoors | April, June, May |
|---|---|
| Sowing depth | 0.5 cm |
| Germination temperature | 15-20°C |
| Germination time | 2-6 weeks |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Shade |
| Planting distance | 30 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
Sowing and care
Growing this wild plant from seed is not complicated, since the plant also self-seeds and has a quite good germination capacity. The sowing should take place at approx. 5mm depth, pre-culture can start in the early spring from February, whereby the seedlings may be planted only after the last frosts. Direct sowing is possible from April, planting distance about 30cm.
The best location is in the half-shade but it can also thrive in the sun if the soil is fertile and permeable. It tolerates sandy and loamy soil well but needs a good water supply without any waterlogging. Mature columbine plants are hardy.
The best location is in the half-shade but it can also thrive in the sun if the soil is fertile and permeable. It tolerates sandy and loamy soil well but needs a good water supply without any waterlogging. Mature columbine plants are hardy.
Other names
Botanical name: Aquilegia vulgaris
German: Wald-Akelei, Taubenblume, Tauberln, Fünf Vögerl zusamm, Elfenhandschuh, Frauenhandschuh, Kapuzinerhütli, Pfaffenkäpple, Venuswagen, Schlotterhose
English: European columbine, Common columbine, Granny's nightcap, Granny's bonnet
French: Ancolie commune
Italian: Aquilegia commune
Spanish: Aguileña común
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