Columbine (botanical name *Aquilegia*) is a total classic that’s been a staple in herb gardens since the Middle Ages. These hardy, low-maintenance perennials are famous for their delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in almost every color of the rainbow. The best part? Once you get them started, they’ll happily self-seed and keep your garden looking gorgeous for years to come.
When and how should you plant Columbine seeds?
If you’re eager to get a head start, you can start your seeds indoors as early as February. If you’d rather sow them directly in the garden, wait until late April or early May—those tiny seedlings are pretty sensitive to frost!
- Fill a pot or seed tray with a high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Scatter the seeds thinly across the surface.
- Lightly cover the seeds with a bit of soil. Columbines are “dark germinators,” meaning they need a little cover to wake up.
- Mist the soil gently with a spray bottle so you don’t wash the tiny seeds away.
- Keep the soil consistently moist over the next few weeks, but make sure it’s not soggy.
- Place your tray in a bright, warm spot. They love temperatures between 63°F and 68°F (17-20°C).
- Be patient! Germination can take up to six weeks.
Once they’ve established themselves, you can transplant your young stars out into the garden.
Sowing Directly Outdoors
If you prefer the direct-sow method, aim for late spring (no later than the end of May). While the seeds actually like a bit of a chill to trigger growth, the sprouts themselves can’t handle a freeze. Pick a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. They’ll even grow in full shade, though they’ll stay a bit shorter—usually around 12 inches. Columbines love rich, well-draining soil that stays moist but never waterlogged. Before planting, loosen the soil and maybe mix in a little compost for a nutrient boost. Just like indoors, scatter the seeds, cover them lightly with soil, and give them a gentle watering.
After a few weeks, you’ll see the little guys popping up. If they’re looking a bit crowded, you’ll need to thin them out. Gently remove the smaller, weaker seedlings so the strong ones have room to breathe (you can even move the healthy ones to a new spot!). Just a heads-up: Columbines usually take two years to produce their first round of stunning blooms, but they are definitely worth the wait!
