Columbine, Blue

Although you can sow seeds directly in your beds in the fall or late winter for bloom the following spring, cold conditioning the seed will yield more consistent germination results. This is accomplished by surface sowing onto moist potting mix in a pot, using a mister to re-hydrate the seed and make soil contact, and then chilling them at 38ºF for six weeks to two months. A quicker alternative to moist chilling is to place the seed in between paper towels in a zipper freezer bag or similar container, moisten towel allowing the seeds to re-hydrate for a day, and then place in the freezer for a day or two before sowing the seeds. Germination can take 25 to 35 days, requires light (do not cover seeds with soil) and will begin when the soil temperatures have warmed up to 60 to 70ºF.