When and how do I plant Columbine seeds?
Sow in spring or fall, pressing the seed onto the surface since it needs light to germinate. Columbine (Aquilegia) germinates best after a cold period, so fall sowing or chilling the seed in the fridge for a few weeks helps.
How tall does Columbine grow and when does it bloom?
Columbine grows about 1-3 feet tall with distinctive spurred flowers. As a perennial it usually blooms from its second spring onward, flowering in late spring to early summer.
What sun and zones does Columbine prefer?
It thrives in part shade to full sun in well-drained soil and is one of the few flowers that flourishes in dappled woodland light. Columbine is hardy across USDA zones 3-8.
Does Columbine attract hummingbirds?
Yes. The nodding, nectar-rich spurred blooms are a classic favorite of hummingbirds and are also visited by bees and butterflies.
Is Columbine a perennial that comes back each year?
Yes, it is a short-lived perennial that returns for several years and self-sows freely, so it tends to naturalize and keep appearing in the garden.
How many seeds come in the packet and are they heirloom?
The packet holds about 100 seeds. They are heirloom, open-pollinated, and non-GMO, so you can collect seed from the dried pods to grow more.
Do the seeds need cold to sprout?
They germinate best after a cold period, so sow in fall or chill the seed in the fridge for a few weeks before spring sowing.
Sun or shade?
It thrives in part shade but tolerates full sun in cooler climates with steady moisture.
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