Beginner Gardening: colorful annuals in low light, zone 5a, 1 by DaleTheGardener

DaleTheGardener wrote:
Caladiums in Z5 would be considered a summer annual bulb. They would do OK, but, they are tropical bulbs and prefer warm nights. You can dig up the bulbs in late fall and save them, replant in late spring. Impatiens and begonia can take cool weather better than most tropicals.

Columbine seed can be planted anytime in Z5. When ever I plant seed I lift the soil where I am going to plant with a spading fork (I don't turn it over) and then put down a layer of compost 1-2" thick (leave it level & unpressed). I would suggest that you surface sow your seed and then water. Seeds have the ability to find their own depth for germination. After you plant you can leave the area alone, unless it is a real dry spring. Columbine is a good perennial for your zone. Keep the old flowers removed (unless you want fresh seed) and it should bloom twice in a summer, once it gets established.