Columbine from seed

Just wanted to know how everyone typically sows these. I was thinking of winter-sowing them.

Ours self sow everywhere but when I do sow a new species I pop the seeds in moist compost and leave on the windowsill for 4-5 weeks (55-65F).

If no germination by that time then they go out into the cold greenhouse until they do. I have thrown pots away after no germination for 18 months and they've germinated in early summer.

I winter sow mine and they do just fine, in fact I already have them planted, as of last week..This gives them time here in my zone to get up and bloom before our very early heat gets them..After blooming the heat just kills them off, but always have plenty to reseed.
larkie

I winter sow them here too and they bloom the second year. Don't think I've ever seen one bloom the first year from seed.

Poppysue -- do you have to sow these every year? How long do they last as perennials in your zone? -- how do you think they would do in mine?

I have better luck with the old-fashioned columbines. They seem to be sturdier and come back for several years. The fancier hybrids, like the McKana Giants peter out after a couple years and need to be replanted. Since all the columbines re-seed it's easy enough to move seedlings around if plants die out. You shouldn't have any trouble with them in your zone.

I am growing Nora Barlow and Nora's sister -- they are heirlooms and hopefully the "old fashioned" kind you are speaking of. Either way -- thanks for the info. :)

The first Columbine I ever tried to start from seed were these Double Pleat Columbine. Sow them in moist soil-less seed starting mix (barely cover) and put the container in a zip lock bag. Put the container (in the bag) in the fridge for 3-5 weeks. Remove from fridge and put on heat mat under fluorescent lights. They usually germinate in about a week. Once they germinate they're sensitive to too much water, so easy on the water. Once planted outside in spring they must be protected from direct sunlight or they will shrivel up and die. This method has worked well with others I have started as well. Once in the garden they will reseed in places you least expect them too! This particular variety has remained a strong grower for me the last four seasons. Good luck!

Sandy

Sandy:
Wow!! Those sure are pretty!! Thanks for the growing tips!
A.

here is a red one-kinda blurry

some more-they all reseed well!

a couple of the petticoat kind!

Ive got spring fever!!!

Since they tend to reseed, I have simply tossed the seed around in my shade garden, they pop up between my Hostas and ferns.

Notmartha -- wow great pics. Now I am getting excited about growing these.

Azalea - wow - that is a great idea for easy beautiful color.

Alyssum: I think the life expectancy of these columbine is directly related to how hot your summers get. I have some McKanas that are at least 8 years old or older. One of my favorites are the little dwarf flabellata types. The seed I use is 'Cameo'. The whole plant grows no more than about 6 " tall, and the flowers tuck in close to the plant. The mixes have blue, light pink, dark pink, and white.

I start all my columbine seed in the basement in early spring, so they often bloom the first year. However, the self seeders seem to sprout in the spring, then bloom the 2nd or 3rd year.

Wow -- just 6 inches tall -- but so elegant and pretty. Thanks for the tips and the photo!

Alyssum: I have some seed for the Cameos. Email your address if you'd like to try them.

Alyssum I grow many aquilegas and most are quite tough. Generally aquilega will flower in the second year from sowing, but the small ones like weezin grows will flower in the first year. I ones i most like are the Clematifolia type, which come in a range of colours, though I prefer the burgandy colouted one. They grow quite tall (approx 2 feet) and do very well in damp cold soil. They are long lived too. Send me an email if you would like to try some.

Here is the white one. The dark forms are good too!

Thanks Psilo -- I have never seen that type before -- I think I have a new favorite! Those are so pretty - thanks for posting them.

Psilo is right about the little flabellatas. Here is a first year plant that is still in its 4" pot. The bloom is as big as the little plant! I love both tall and small columbine because they both serve a purpose in the garden. The dwarf varieties are great front fillers, rock garden inhabitants, and container plants. The taller varieties work best for me in the backs of the beds, particularly when they are supported by their neighbors. I'm never grown the clematis type, but I've grown the Barlows and McKanas.

clematifolia type? OH NO! they are new to me, how could I not have come across them before? Oh, how I love columbine!!! now I'm going to have to find some, they are beautiful~! I have some McKanna's sprouted and under the lights, can't have too many, they are so pretty!

One of my McKannas had huge blooms last year.. really outdid itself!

WoW that is superb Weezin love the colour too!!

Weez, what a great picture, and beautiful flowers. Do you have large or small hands??? :)

Hi, Alyssum: I wear a medium glove, but I've got the wrists of a XL! These were really huge blooms this year... bigger than usual. The McKana's are a great columbine for the back of a bed, since they get so tall and floppy. This pink plant is at least 8 years old.

about 20 McKanna's just sprouted for me yesterday, I have them under the lights, I hope they all look as beautiful as yours, Weezin!

I'm sure they will be, Carena, especially if you are in the coastal area of Oregon. Columbine are also lovely little seedlings.