Aquilegias

epsilonsage

I am growing Aquilegias from seed for the 1st time in Adelaide South Australia.  I've read they need a chill factor, but the packet doesn't mention this.  Any advice?  Thanks 

BobTheGardener

I've not found it necessary to chill them.  They are are early flowerers and naturally drop their seed in summer.  Some seeds germinate in the autumn and some in spring, so a cold spell could well be beneficial.  I suggest sowing them and if no germination within 3 weeks, put the seed tray/pot in a polythene bag and put it in the fridge (not freezer) for the same sort of period then bring them out and try again.  Sow the seed on the surface and sprinkle on a very small amount of fine compost or vermiculite so the tiny seed is barely covered.  Most of mine have now died out because of a disease spreading over here:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=866

But I do keep sowing the seed of the survivors, hoping to eventually find a resistant strain.

epsilonsage

Thanks  @BobTheGardener