From my perspective as a Columbine plant, propagating by seed is my natural, most instinctual way to create the next generation. It begins when my flowers are pollinated by the diligent hummingbirds and bees I attract with my nectar-rich, spurred blooms. Once fertilized, I channel my energy into producing small, black seeds, which I cradle in dry, pod-like follicles. When these follicles ripen and turn brown, they split open, and I willingly scatter my children to the whims of the wind and rain. For you to assist in this process, collect these seeds as the pods begin to open. Sow them directly in the garden in late fall, or mimic the cold winter they require by placing them in a moist paper towel inside a plastic bag in your refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. This cold period, called stratification, breaks our dormancy and tells us it is safe to germinate when planted in warm, spring soil. Be patient; we may take 30-90 days to emerge, and we will often not flower until our second year, as we are busy establishing strong roots.
If you wish for a faster replica of me, a perfect copy that will flower sooner, then division is your preferred method. This process speaks to my perennial nature. From my central crown, I send out roots and shoots to expand my presence. Over three to four years, I can become quite large, and my center may even begin to die out. The ideal time for this is in early spring, just as my new growth is emerging, or in the early fall when the intense summer heat has passed. Carefully dig around and lift my entire root system from the earth. With a sharp, clean knife or spade, gently divide my crown and roots into smaller sections. Each new section must have several healthy shoots and a robust portion of my fibrous roots attached to survive the trauma of separation. This act, while invasive, rejuvenates me and creates instant new plants that are genetically identical to the original.
Whether you choose to grow my offspring from a scattered seed or a divided piece of my root, our initial needs are similar. We crave a location with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. While we appreciate dappled sunlight or morning sun, the intense afternoon heat can scorch our delicate foliage. Plant my seeds shallowly, as we require light to germinate. For my divided sections, replant them at the same depth I was growing before and water us thoroughly to settle the soil around our roots and eliminate air pockets. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as we establish ourselves. A light layer of mulch can help retain that crucial moisture and protect us. With this care, the seedlings will grow into robust plants, and the divisions will quickly settle into their new space, often blessing you with blooms in the very same season.
