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Data
Botanical name: Aquilegia spp.
Family: Ranunculaceae
Origin: Central-Eastern Europa, Asia, North America
Type: Seeds (Perennial)
Seeding season: Spring, autumn
Blooming season: Late spring to early summer
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Charm of Columbines
Columbines are called "odamaki" in Japanese. The original meaning of "odamaki" is a spool, and these flowers were named as "odamaki" because their shape resembles to it.
Columbines are roughly classified 2 types; Asian and European. We can see wild ones in the mountains, and there also are lots of developed breedings for decorative purpose.
There are various types of flowers. Some of them are such unique ones with 2 different colors of petals.
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Seeding
Good seeding season is spring or autumn.
First of all, it is recommended to wrap the seeds with wet kitchen towel and keep them in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 weeks.
To saw them, do not cover the seeds and cover the container with plastic wrap to keep it moist. Germination occurs in 3 or 4 weeks at 60-70F/15-20C.
If it is too crowded, spacing is required.
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Other Method
It is common to plant the cut stem. In summer to autumn, cut a thick and strong stem in about 3 inches of pieces, and plant them in soil directly. They will get the root in about 2 weeks. If you cut the stem of balloon flower, white juice comes out. So, it is recommended to plant them after this juice dries out to prevent infection.
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Location
Direct sun is not favorable. Partial shade is good especially in the area where it gets hot in summer.
Beside it, avoid the high temperature above 87F/30C.
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Watering
Water them sufficiently when the surface of the soil is dry, all year round.
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Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not required very much. Fertilize slightly only in the early spring and late autumn.
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Growth Period
They do not bloom on the first year. They may bloom on the second year if you saw the seeds in spring, and on the third year if you saw the seeds in autumn.
It is recommended to cut the spent flowers off.
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Medical Effect
Caution: It is not recommended to make medicines because it is risky to intake plants without professional knowledge.
Medical Parts: Whole aerial parts.
Indication: Columbine is used to treat gallbladder contraction and gastrointestinal disorders. It is thought to be effective for scurvy and jaundice, and supposedly tranquilizing. However the effects have not been clarified.
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