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What We've Included
When to Plant | How to Plant | When to Water | What to do after blooming | Deadheading | Common Issues & How to Solve Them | When will they Flower?
When to Plant Aquilegia
Aquilegia plants are best planted in spring or autumn. This gives them plenty of time to establish before growing in summer. Specifically, you should aim to have your aquilegia in the ground from February to November.
How to Plant Aquilegia
Loose Roots
Loose roots to beginners might sound intimidating but are easy to plant! Loose-roots are dormant plants that have been grown, left to die back, then dug up and supplied without any soil around the roots. A perfect option for the budget-conscious gardener.
- Soak roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours before planting.
- Dig a hole in the border that’s big enough to house the root system. If planting in pots, fill a large pot halfway with potting soil and then pop the roots in with the crown pointing upwards and the root system pointing to the floor.
- Plant in groups for a fuller display, usually in groups of 3, somewhere that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Ensure the crown is just below the soil unless the plant has some leaves, in which case leave them exposed with the rest of the root system under the soil.
- Water well once planted.
Modules
Our modules are incredibly easy to grow and maintain. Whether you’re planting them directly in mid-spring or growing them inside until the threat of frost has passed, modules are a breeze from the moment they arrive. Here’s how to plant them.
- If you receive your plugs before prime planting time, then you can grow them inside. To do this, remove each plug gently from their blister pack and pot them into larger trays or individual pots. Keep them indoors until the threat of frost has passed.
- In spring, you can plant them directly outside. Dig a hole in the border that’s big enough to house the entire module. If planting in containers, fill a large pot halfway with potting soil and then make several holes that can hold the modules. Do this until the top of the soil from the module is just below the top of the pot.
- Fill around the modules with soil and firm down gently.
- Water well and you’re done!
- Where to plant
Ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Check the information given on your species of Aquilegia, as many have differing needs in terms of how much sun or shade they need.
When to Water Aquilegia
Once aquilegias are established, they shouldn’t need watering. However, if you trim it back, give it a soak. This will encourage new leaves to grow.
What to do once Aquilegia has finished blooming
Once aquilegia has finished flowering, they don’t need further care. Let them die back and deadhead any spent flowers. Cut the plant back in September for a late production of foliage that can last through to winter.
Deadheading Aquilegia
Once aquilegias have finished flowering, they will proceed to self-seed. This means that they will drop their seeds, allowing them to germinate and grow again the following year. If you don’t want them to do this, then cut the stems down to the base, just above the soil’s surface.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Aquilegias can be bothered by aphids and leaf miners. If you’re concerned that your plant has been affected by either of these, remove the leaves affected and throw them away.
When will Aquilegia plants flower?
Aquilegias flower from late spring to early summer, usually from May to June. Perfect for bridging the gap between the two seasons.