Methods on how to care for Columbine flowers

Without been told one of the sweetest flowers in spring gardens are the Columbine. This particular plant called Columbine (Aquilegia) has an airy appearance, with a small, rounded leaves and a tall flower stalks that hold the blooms above the foliage. This plant bell-shaped flower is really popular with bees, hummingbirds and gardeners.

Basic information

The botanical name: The botanical name is Aquilegia.

Some of common name: The common names are columbine, Granny's Bonnet.

The plant type: Is a perennial wildflower.

The mature size of the plant: The mature size of the plant can reach about 15 to 20 inches high and also 12 to 18 inches wide.

The plant sun exposure: This plant prefers partial shade.

The soil type: Any type of soil.

The soil pH: It should be between 5.0 to 6.0.

The bloom time: The bloom time is late spring to early summer.

The color of the flower: Orange, blue, white, pink, purple, red, yellow.

USDA hardiness zones: USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.

The plant native area: This plant is native to Meadows and woodlands of the Northern hemisphere.

Steps on how to grow Columbine

Columbine flowers can be started from seed or plant. You can sow the seeds direct throughout spring. Columbine flowers seeds actually need light to germinate, just simply press them on the soil surface and barely cover them with soil. This plant is a perennial and it will take 2 years from planting the seeds, for them to actually bloom.

Some of the varieties of Columbine plants will bloom for at least 4 weeks. Columbine plants are tougher plants than they appear, although they tend to be short-lived perennials. This plant will seed and spread, remaining in your garden for many years.

The Light requirement: Actually a spot in partial shade is ideal to ensure the best flowering and healthiest plants. This plant can also handle full sun in spring, but after the plant have flowered and they are re-building their store of energy, the Columbine plants appreciate some shade in summer's heat.

The soil requirement: Make sure the plant is planted with their crown at soil level. Like I said earlier any type of soil can be used to grow columbine plants, although the plant does better with sandier, loamier soils.

The watering: Just make sure the new plants are kept moist until they become established. You will really know when they are established once they start putting out a lot of new growth. Don’t forget to keep the Columbine plants well water during dry spells.

The temperature requirement: This plant is sensitive to high temperatures. A cooler weather will make the plant to produce more flowers.

The fertilizer requirement: You can fertilize the Columbine plants with a water-soluble formula monthly. Doing this will really encourage thick foliage and bright flowers.

The Propagation: This plant does not propagate easily, it really has deep roots. It need to be divide, you can dig down as deeply as possible in a circle around the roots, then pull it up without breaking the soil ball, and then divide it quickly with a sharp instrument. Make sure you retain as much of the soil around the roots as possible, and then replant quickly.

The toxicity of plant: This particular plant is considered minorly toxic to animals. Although ingestion might really cause diarrhea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even other minor illnesses.

The pruning: You can actually encourage additional flowering by deadheading the plant regularly to get rid of faded looms. By peradventure if there is an issue with self-seeding, you can cut back the foliage and seedpods in the fall months.

How to grow the plant from Seeds: Growing this plant from seed is not hard, although you need to be aware that it's a biennial plant that will not blossom until year two. Under normal condition the seeds need a three- to four-week cold spell before germination will occur, this can actually be done by keeping the seed packets in the refrigerator before sowing.

Make sure you plant the Columbine seeds in moist soil in a warm, sunny location. Under normal condition it will take the seeds about thirty days to germinate. Immediately the seedlings develop a pair of true leaves and they have reached three to four inches tall, you can transplant them outside.