How to Grow Columbine from Seed: Complete Guide

Overview

Columbine (Rocky Mountain Columbine) is a hummingbird magnet and Colorado's state flower. Its distinctive bi-color blooms—white centers with starburst petals in blue, red, and other hues—appear from late spring into summer, brightening beds, borders, and containers.

Step 1: Prepare Planting Site

Choose a partially shaded bed with well-drained soil. Amend with compost or peat moss, raising the bed 2 inches for better drainage. Or use well-drained containers with quality potting mix.

Step 2: Sow Seeds

Direct-sow outdoors in spring. Space seeds 16 inches apart on soil surface; cover with ⅛ inch soil. Germination takes ~30 days.

Step 3: Water for Establishment

Keep soil moist until plants establish. Water during summer dry spells.

Step 4: Fertilize In-Ground Plants

Apply general-purpose fertilizer 4 weeks after sprouting and again in mid-summer.

Step 5: Fertilize Container Plants

Feed container-grown columbine monthly with general-purpose fertilizer until blooms fade.