Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Teardrop flowers delicately hang off this hardy native wildflower and attract hummingbirds and long-tongued insects..

How to Grow Columbine from Seed

Bed Preparation

Columbine is a perennial that grows in full sun to shade and while it prefers rich, moist soil with good drainage, will tolerate average soils.

Planting

For best results, expose seeds to cool, moist conditions (stratification) for 3-4 weeks before sowing. The refrigerator works well for this. Sow stratified seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. Or direct sow outdoors in fall and seed will germinate the following spring. Optimal soil temperature for germination is 65-85°F. Sow seeds 2-4"' apart on the soil surface and press lightly to settle. Seeds will germinate in 14-28 days. Thin seedlings to 12-24" apart. To keep foliage attractive throughout summer, keep plants moderately moist.