How to Grow Columbine
Get Your Exact Columbine Planting Dates
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Your Columbine dates ·
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Partial Shade to Full Sun
Water
Moderate (1 inch/week)
Spacing
12" apart
Depth
0.125" deep
Height
18-36"
Germination
21-30 days
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Good Companions
Full Companion Planting Guide for Columbine
See which plants help Columbine thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Seed Saving Guide
EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow seed pods (follicles) to dry and turn brown on the plant. Harvest before they split.
Processing
Crack dry pods over a bowl to release tiny black seeds. Dry 1 week before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Columbines cross freely between varieties and species — saved seeds often produce beautiful new color combinations.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Columbine. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Columbine Planting Calendar by Zone
Columbine Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Columbine? +
Start Columbine seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors 2 weeks after the last frost. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your ZIP code or city.
How long does Columbine take to grow? +
Columbine typically blooms in about 365 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Columbine indoors or direct sow? +
Columbine should be started indoors 8 weeks before the last frost date. This gives seedlings time to establish before being transplanted outside after frost danger has passed.
How much sun does Columbine need? +
Columbine requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Columbine? +
Space Columbine plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Columbine need? +
Columbine has moderate (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Columbine? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Columbine is rated easy. Allow seed pods (follicles) to dry and turn brown on the plant. Harvest before they split. Crack dry pods over a bowl to release tiny black seeds. Dry 1 week before storing.
How long do Columbine seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Columbine seeds remain viable for up to 2 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Columbine seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Columbine is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Columbine
Graceful cottage perennial with spurred, nodding blooms in blue, purple, yellow, red, and white. Attracts hummingbirds. Self-seeds to create natural drifts.
Expect your Columbine to be ready for harvest in approximately 365 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.