Description
McKana Giants Columbine Seeds 6415. Open Pollinated. Perennial.
Approx. 60 seeds/pkt (800 seeds/gram)
The McKana Giants Columbine is a celebrated garden classic known for its exceptionally large, 10 cm wide blooms and elegant, long-spurred petals. These sturdy plants reach a height of 75 cm, producing a plentiful display of vibrant flowers in a stunning palette of white, cream, rose, violet, yellow, and red. Whether used as a sophisticated cut flower or as a focal point in a woodland garden, these columbines bring a touch of airy, vertical interest to any landscape.
This is an Open Pollinated Perennial that is remarkably hardy, thriving effortlessly from Zone 3 and up, and even surviving in Zone 2 with adequate winter protection.
Quick Seed Details
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Botanical Name: Aquilegia caerulea
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Type: Open Pollinated Perennial
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Height: 75 cm
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Flower Style: Large, 10 cm wide with long spurs
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Hardiness: Zone 2 (with protection); Zone 3+ (without)
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Light: Full Sun to Light Shade
Ecological Benefits & Garden Strategy
Columbines are a favourite of hummingbirds and long-tongued bees, who are uniquely adapted to reach the nectar hidden deep within the spurs. These plants are versatile enough to handle full sun in cooler regions but truly thrive in the dappled light of a shade garden.
A Note on Natural Stratification: Many perennial seeds, including Columbine, possess a natural dormancy. Sowing directly outside in the late fall allows the winter cold to naturally “stratify” or wake up the seeds, leading to much higher germination rates the following spring.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Columbine seeds require light and a period of cold to germinate successfully.
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Indoor Start: For best results, chill seeds for 3 to 4 days at 5°C prior to sowing. Start early in a soilless mix.
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Germination: Maintain 20–22°C for 21–25 days. Do not cover the seed, as light is essential for germination. Grow under lights at a cooler temperature before hardening off.
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Outdoor Sowing: Seeds can be sown directly in June, or in August and early September for blooms the following year.
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Care: Space plants 30–45 cm apart. They prefer moist, well-drained soil. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer and keep well-watered, especially in hot or dry areas.
Why McKana Giants Columbine Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you are looking for a plant that offers both structural elegance and a “fairytale” aesthetic, the McKana Giants are the perfect choice. They are one of the few perennials that provide such a dramatic range of bicoloured blooms while remaining resilient enough for the coldest Canadian winters. Their ability to bridge the gap between sun and shade makes them an invaluable tool for any garden design.
