Two orange-red columbine flowers in sharp focus in front of other blossoms, leaves, and stems in blurred background.

How To Grow Columbine Seeds

Updated on Dec 21, 2023
By Baillie Blankenship

Latin name Aquilegia vulgaris, columbine is an herbaceous perennial; hardy from zones 4a-8b. The clover-shaped foliage grows 18 inches tall in mounds; the tall, slender flower stems reach to 24 inches tall and are topped with nodding blooms. This charming perennial blooms from early spring to mid-summer and is pollinator friendly and deer-resistant! 

HISTORY

The genus Aquilegia originated from eastern Europe and central Asia. 

It is believed to have come to North America over the Bering land bridge during the Pleistocene Epoch, 10,000- 40,000 years ago.

USES

  • These ephemeral ornamental blooms are a wonderful addition to perennial beds, wooded areas, and cottage-style gardens.
  • Columbine attracts bees, moths, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden space.

Two red-orange columbine flowers in sharp focus in front of several out of focus blossoms, leaves, and stems.

  • Direct sow on top of lightly raked soil 3-4 weeks before the average last spring frost or start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frosts.
  • Columbine germinates best indoors.
  • Sow seeds 1/8 -1/4in deep in substrate. 
  • Sprouts in 21-36 days.
  • The ideal soil temperature for germination is 65-70 F.
Bright purple Leprachaun Gold columbine blossoms against yellow-green speckled leaves.Bright purple Leprachaun Gold columbine blossoms against yellow-green speckled leaves.

  • Columbine is hardy to zones 4a-8b.
  • Transplant into a partially shaded area, with moist well-draining soil, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart.
  • Columbine grows well in full sun, but benefits from shade in warmer climates.
  • Plants will die back to the ground for a dormant period. Mulch well before the ground freezes.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Columbine is deer resistant. They are sometimes affected by leaf miners. Be sure to remove any affected foliage.
Close photo of multi-lobed columbine seedlings Close photo of multi-lobed columbine seedlings

  • Mature flower petals will fall off exposing the seed pod.
  • Harvest the mature seed pods when they have turned from green to brown.
  • You may open and empty the pods or place them in a brown paper bag and shake them to release the seeds from their pods.
  • Each pod will encase many small, shiny, black seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dry, and dark place until you are ready to plant.
Single pale purple columbine blossom with white center surrounding yellow, in a green glass soda bottle.Single pale purple columbine blossom with white center surrounding yellow, in a green glass soda bottle.