How to Grow Columbines

Columbines, also known as Aquilegia, are a beautiful addition to any flower garden. Attractive to hummingbirds, these flowers have long stems with delicate blossoms that have 5 pointed petals on top of 5 petal-like sepals that bloom from May through early June. They come in a variety of colors. Once established in a garden, columbines are not difficult to grow and, if not controlled, will eventually spread throughout the garden. These flowers grow well in the USDA Hardiness zones 3 through 9.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Columbine seeds or plants
• Peat moss
• Garden trowel
• Mulch
• Water
• Garden shears
• All-purpose fertilizer

1. Pick a location in the garden that has light shade and moist soil. If the flowers are to be planted in full sun, they will require more watering.
2. Dig up the ground the flowers are to be planted in and remove any weeds. Mix in some peat moss into the soil. Plant the flowers, one to two feet apart, being careful not to disturb the root system. Press down the soil around the flower and top with mulch. Water thoroughly to settle the root system.
3. Plant columbine seeds either in the late fall or early spring. Seed packets state to plant 1/8 inch deep, although some gardening enthusiasts say to leave the seeds uncovered and exposed to light to speed germination. Sometimes columbine seeds planted in the fall will flower the next year; however, some seed will take one year to germinate and will flower the next year.
4. Keep the columbines watered during the growing season. Remove the spent flowers promptly. However, if the blossoms are left, the flowers will reseed themselves. Once established, feed them monthly with a soluble all purpose (5-10-5) fertilizer. In colder regions (Zones 4 to 5) cover columbines with mulch, straw, or hay in the late fall to protect from winter freezing. Divide and move columbines as they get crowded.
5. The only problems columbines have are leaf-miners. There will be marks in the leaves. Remove and discard these leaves; do not add to compost pile.

Tips & Warnings

• Columbine seeds can be started indoors, in flats or pots, several weeks before the last frost. Chill them in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 weeks before moving them to a room that is kept at 70 to 75 degrees.

• Columbine seeds and roots are highly poisonous.