How to Propagate Columbines

Columbines are a perennial flower that prefers a partially shady spot. Many columbine varieties exist with an assortment of blossom colors, ranging from white to nearly black. Gardeners growing columbines are often pleased to see the hummingbirds they attract. Columbine seedpods open conveniently at the top. This enables a gardener to collect the seeds to propagate new plants.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you’ll need:

• Columbine plants
• Pruning shears
• Shallow container
• Hand spade
• Trowel
• Compost

1. Watch the columbine plants in late summer and early fall. This is when the seedpods will mature and open. Clip several seedpods from the plant when the seedpods open at the top.
2. Remove the seeds from the seedpods and hold them in a shallow container while you prepare the planting area.
3. Use the hand spade to cultivate the soil in the planting area. Work a small amount of compost into the soil to improve it, if necessary. Scatter the seeds over the planting area. Spacing is not important. Lightly rake the soil with the hand spade.
4. Water the soil lightly immediately after sowing the seeds. Keep the soil moist during the autumn if the weather is dry.
5. Watch for new columbine plants to emerge from the soil the following spring. Expect blooms during the second summer after planting.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant the columbine seeds when the weather cools in the autumn before the first frost.