aquilegas again

[leona]

iv just been babysitting for someone and saw some really beautiful doubles that are almost black. first i wanted to ask how i know when teh seed is ready. can i cut the stems with seed pods on before they dry out or do i have to wait? if the seed is black is that ok even if the pods arent dry? secondly, i realise they might not come true from seed so is it possible to take basal cuttings from them or root cuttings?

[Peter]

If the seed is black I'd chance it.
But when the top of the "pod" starts to open is best time.

[Flummery]

I've just bought a black and white one - called William Guiness - just like a pint of the black stuff! I hope they come true to seed because I'm going to have a go with them.

[leona]

how about propagating from the plant so i can be sure of getting the same one? is it possible?

[Palustris]

You can dig up and split them, but it is a risky shot and they often only have two growth points. Named ones like that often do come true (ish) from seed, otherwise they could not be named really.

[Flummery]

Having tried to dig up established aquilegias I found they have a huge taproot - I'd not feel confident of even trying to move one, let alone divide it.

[leona]

thanks. the lady whos garden i found them in is moving in august and has said i can dig up what i want from the garden. i will get some seed but il definately give digging the plants up a go, nothing to lose really.