Columbines are charming perennials from the buttercup family, and you can find them growing wild all across North America, Europe, and North Asia. They’re incredibly versatile, popping up everywhere from woodlands and meadows to high mountain peaks and even deserts. Because they’re so adaptable, they aren’t picky at all, making them a perfect, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
When and Where Should You Plant Columbines?
The best time to get your plants in the ground is mid-May. By then, the threat of a late frost has usually passed, giving the plant a great head start. If you’re starting from scratch, you can sow seeds indoors as early as February or March. For direct sowing in the garden, wait until April or May.
When picking a spot, keep these tips in mind:
- They love sunny to partially shaded spots, especially near the edges of trees or shrubs.
- They’re tough! They can handle full sun or full shade if they have to.
- Aim for fresh, humus-rich soil that stays slightly moist.
- They prefer alkaline soil, with a pH between 8.5 and 10.
How to Plant Your Columbine
A quick heads-up: Columbines are actually toxic, so it’s best to plant them somewhere out of reach of curious kids and pets. If you’ve picked up some established plants from your local nursery, here’s how to get them settled in:
- Start by clearing out any weeds in the area.
- Give the soil a good loosen-up.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball.
- Mix in some fresh compost and a little sand to help with drainage.
- For a nice nutrient boost, toss a handful of horn meal into the hole.
- If you’re planting a group, space them about 12 inches (30 cm) apart.
- Give the plant a good soak while it’s still in its pot before planting.
- Set the plant in the hole and fill it back up with soil.
- Give it a generous watering to help it settle.
Sowing Columbine Seeds
If you’d rather grow yours from seed, it’s a fun project! Start them indoors in late winter (February/March), or wait until after the last frost to sow them directly outside. Here’s the play-by-play:
- Fill a seed tray with potting mix or prep a dedicated spot in your garden bed.
- Mix the seeds with a little sand to help distribute them evenly, then scatter them.
- Cover the seeds with just a light dusting of soil (about a quarter-inch).
- Water them well and keep the soil consistently moist.
- Keep your seed trays in a shady spot.
If you keep the temperature around 63-68°F (17-20°C), you should see sprouts in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once your little columbines are about 2 inches tall, you can transplant them into their own pots. If you sowed them directly in the garden and they’re looking a bit crowded, just thin them out so they have room to breathe.
