Aguilegia.  Columbine is a hardy perennial with fern-like foliage and graceful flowers that bloom from May to June.  Flowers come in a vast array of colors to include: red, yellow, pink, blue, lavender, and white.  Columbine grows from 1 to 3 feet in height and makes a wonderful addition to any flower border.  It grows best in moist, rich, well-drained soil with light shade.  If grown in full sun, provide adequate moisture.  

Seeds may be sown outdoors in spring and summer up to 2 months before frost.  Indoors, sow and place in refrigerator for 3 weeks and then germinate at 70-75 degrees for 21 to 25 days.  Do not cover seeds with soil as light improves germination.

Heirloom seeds are collected from the gardens and grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon and cleaned and packaged by hand.