How to Grow Columbine From Seeds

Overview

Columbine is a lovely plant to make room for in a garden, due to the plentiful bi-colored blooms in the spring and the attractive foliage that will continue through the growing season. Choose a growing area with partial sun and plant columbine from seeds to add color and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. In successive years, this beautiful perennial will self-sow to continue adding color to your flower garden.

Step 1

Work the growing area in the spring to break up the soil. Add a 1-inch layer of compost to the top of the soil to improve the soil quality. Work the compost in well with the spade and rake the soil surface smooth.

Step 2

Plant the columbine seeds at a depth of 1/8-inch and place them between 16 and 18 inches apart. Water lightly after planting.

Step 3

Keep the soil evenly moist during germination. After the seedlings sprout, do not give supplemental water unless there are extended drought conditions.

Step 4

Fertilize one or two times during the summer with the general fertilizer. Follow package recommendations for measurement amounts to mix the fertilizer with water.

Step 5

Trim off the blooms after the plant is finished flowering. Remove any foliage that is brown also. This will encourage the plant to grow fresh leaves during the remainder of the growing season.