How to Plant Columbine Flower Seeds
Fast Facts
- Planting season
- Fall, Spring
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Sowing method
- Direct Sow
- Seed prep
- Stratification
- Light
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Water needs
- Average
- Planting depth
- 1/4 inch
- Spacing
- 12 to 16 inches, 8 to 10 inches
- Mature height
- 10 to 18 inches, 12 to 14 inches, 30 inches
- Hardiness zones
- 3 to 9
- Bloom season
- Spring through Summer
- Days to maturity
- 60 to 90 days
Ranges cover every variety in this group. Check the product page for the exact figures.
About Columbine Flower Seeds
Columbine Flower Seeds grow in full sun, partial shade positions. Flowering runs spring through summer. Harvest begins around 60 to 90 days from sowing. The figures below are the ones on the packets in this group; each product page carries the exact numbers for that variety.
When to plant
Plant in fall, spring. Sow directly where the plants are to grow; this variety does not transplant happily. The seed needs a cold, moist period before it will break dormancy: sow in late fall and let winter do the work, or chill it in damp medium in the refrigerator first. Hardy in zones 3 to 9 — your local frost dates decide the exact week.
Where to plant
Choose a site in full sun, partial shade. Water needs are average once the plants are established. Free-draining soil matters more than rich soil; seed sown into ground that stays wet rots before it germinates. Allow 12 to 16 inches or 8 to 10 inches between plants so air can move between them.
How to plant
Sow 1/4 inch deep, spaced 12 to 16 inches or 8 to 10 inches apart. Water gently to settle the soil, then keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings or shoots appear.
How to care
Keep watering average, at the base of the plant rather than over the leaves. In zones 3 to 9 these come back each year: let the foliage die down naturally after flowering, since that is what feeds next season's growth. Flowers appear spring through summer; cutting or deadheading regularly keeps more coming. Expect to start harvesting around 60 to 90 days after sowing.





