McKana Giants Mix Columbine is an heirloom variety prized for its large, showy, and uniquely spurred flowers in a stunning mix of vibrant colors, including red, yellow, blue, purple, and white. Easy to grow, this perennial is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it a versatile addition to cottage gardens, pollinator-friendly gardens, or borders. The striking blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, adding both beauty and ecological value to your space. Though short-lived, Columbine often reseeds itself, returning year after year to bring delightful color to your garden.
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All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
- Heirloom
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Open Pollinated
- Untreated
- US Grown
- Growing instructions included
- Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
- NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in-house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
- All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
- Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
- FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
Common Names: McKana Giants Mix Columbine
Latin Name: Aquilegia x hybrida
Type: Perennial Flower
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Stratification: Not Required, but cold stratification may improve germination
Germination Ease: Moderate
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Height: 24-36 inches
Spread: 18-24 inches
Color: Mix of red, yellow, blue, purple, and white flowers
Bloom Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Companion Plants: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Kale (Columbine attracts pollinators and beneficial insects that help protect brassicas from pests)
Potential Toxicity: Seeds and roots may be toxic if ingested
Climate Adaptability: Thrives in cooler climates and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions
~ Sowing ~
When to Sow Outside:
Sow directly outdoors in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or in late fall for spring germination.
When to Start Inside:
Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Cold stratifying seeds by placing them in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks may improve germination.
Days to Emerge:
21-30 days
Seed Depth:
Plant seeds just below the surface (lightly cover).
Seed Spacing:
Space seeds 6-12 inches apart.
Row Spacing:
Space rows 18-24 inches apart.
Hardiness:
Columbine is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures once established.
~ Growing ~
Soil:
McKana Giants Mix Columbine prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter, though it can tolerate poorer soils if necessary.
Watering:
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early growth period. Once established, Columbine is drought-tolerant but will bloom best with regular moisture.
Light and Temperature:
Columbine grows best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers cooler climates and thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 70°F.
Maintenance:
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering and prevent self-seeding if desired. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Container Friendly:
Can be grown in containers, though it prefers being planted in the ground for more vigorous growth. Use a deep pot with good drainage.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest flowers when fully open for fresh arrangements.
How to Harvest:
Cut the flowers at the base of the stem with sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Drying and Storing:
Not commonly dried, but fresh flowers can last several days in water.
Edible Use:
Not edible; avoid ingestion of seeds and roots due to potential toxicity.
~ Seed Saving ~
Seed Collection:
Allow seed pods to dry on the plant. Once they split open, collect seeds by hand.
Seed Cleaning:
Remove the seeds from the dry pods and air dry them thoroughly before storing.
Seed Storage:
Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years if properly stored.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
The vibrant, spurred flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds and bees, making McKana Giants Mix Columbine a pollinator favorite.
Origin:
Columbine has a long history in European and American gardens, prized for its unique, spurred flowers that resemble birds in flight.
Nomenclature:
The genus name *Aquilegia* comes from the Latin word "aquila," meaning eagle, referring to the flower’s spurred petals, which resemble an eagle's talons.
History:
Columbine has been cultivated in gardens for centuries, admired for its striking beauty and its role as a pollinator-friendly flower. Historically, Native American tribes used the plant in various remedies, though its seeds and roots are toxic if consumed.
Potential Toxicity:
Columbine seeds and roots are toxic if ingested. Keep away from children and pets.
Climate Adaptability:
McKana Giants Columbine is well-suited for cooler climates but can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for many regions.
