With their delicate leaves and pretty flowers, columbines are popular perennials in the garden. They are perennial but reach their maximum age after about four years. So that you can enjoy your columbines for a long time, you can harvest the seeds from your plants and sow them again and again.
How can I harvest the seeds of the columbine?
After flowering, columbines form numerous small seeds in their fruit capsules with which you can propagate your columbine. As soon as they are ripe, they can easily be shaken out of the capsules and collected. They should be stored in a dry and dark place until they are sown in spring.
When are the seeds of Columbine ready to harvest?
FromAugust the seeds of the columbine can be harvested. By then the columbine has withered and the seeds have formed in the so-called fruit capsule.
How do I harvest the seeds of the columbine?
Once your columbine hasflowered, you can carefully cut off the fruit capsules and shake them out lightly over a smooth surface, such as a piece of paper. The small, black seeds fall right out. Until you sow the seeds in spring, you should store them in a dry, dark place. Don't forget to label your seeds so that you can identify them correctly next year.
When do I sow the seeds of the columbine?
The best time to sow columbine seeds isbetween April and May. You shouldn't wait any longer, otherwise the temperatures will get too warm. The seeds need a short cold stimulus to start germinating.
Tip
Buy columbine seeds instead of harvesting
If you don't have any columbines in your garden from which you can take the seeds, you can also get them from the garden center. Columbines can usually be found there from February onwards.
