The herbaceous perennial Columbine (botanical name *Aquilegia*) is a member of the buttercup family and has been a garden staple since the Middle Ages. Back then, it was actually used as a medicinal plant, but today, we love it for its delicate, whimsical look that adds a touch of magic to any flower bed. Whether you want to start with a mature plant or grow them from scratch, here is everything you need to know about sowing your own.
Timing Your Columbine Sowing
The best time to sow Columbine seeds is in the spring, typically between March and May, once the threat of overnight frost has passed. While these seeds actually need a bit of a “chill” to trigger germination, the young sprouts are quite sensitive to freezing temperatures. Once they’re established, they’re tough as nails, but they need a gentle start. You’ve got two main options:
- Starting them indoors (pre-culture)
- Sowing them directly in the garden
Starting Seeds Indoors
If you want a head start, you can begin your Columbine seeds indoors as early as late February. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a seed tray or shallow container with a good quality seed-starting mix.
- Sprinkle the seeds thinly across the surface.
- Lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil—no more than about a quarter-inch deep.
- Keep the soil consistently moist. A spray bottle works best here so you don’t wash the tiny seeds away.
- Place the tray in a bright spot that stays around 68°F (20°C).
- Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, you can “prick them out” into individual pots or, if the weather is warm enough, transplant them straight into the garden.
Sowing Directly in the Garden
Some varieties, like the Golden Columbine (*Aquilegia chrysantha*), are cold-germinating and can be sown very early in the year or even in late winter. For most other garden varieties, wait until late April or early May. A good rule of thumb is to wait until after the last frost to ensure the babies don’t get nipped by the cold.
Choose a bright spot in full sun or partial shade and prep your soil. Columbines love nutrient-rich, humus-heavy soil that drains well. Mixing in a little compost beforehand does wonders! Scatter the seeds thinly over the loosened soil, cover with about a quarter-inch of dirt, and water them in gently. When the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them out so there’s about 10 inches of space between each plant. They can grow into quite sturdy perennials, so they’ll appreciate the elbow room!
