Columbine Planting Guide
Elegant native perennial with spurred, nodding flowers beloved by hummingbirds
Best Time and Place to Plant Columbine
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Columbine in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 70F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 5 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | September 1 to September 30 |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | September 10 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | April 1 to May 15 | September 15 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 20 to May 10 | September 20 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | March 1 to April 30 | October 1 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 15 to April 15 | October 15 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | February 1 to April 1 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | November 1 to January 15 |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | November 1 to February 1 |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.25 inches deep
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 18 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 55F to 70F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: 1 inch per week; partial shade reduces heat stress and water needs
- Days to harvest: 90
Fertilization
- Compost organic: 1-2 inches worked into soil; little else needed
Companion Plants
- Hostas
- Ferns
- Bellflowers
Avoid Planting Near
No avoid-planting conflicts are listed yet.
Harvest Signs
- Blooms in spring for 3-4 weeks
- Self-sows prolifically — allow some seedheads to remain
- Short-lived perennial; self-sowing ensures colony persistence
- Cut back after blooming for potential light rebloom
FAQs
When should I plant Columbine?
Columbine planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Columbine?
The best time of year to plant Columbine is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 55F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 20 to May 10. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Columbine?
Plant Columbine in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 55F to 70F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 18 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Columbine?
Plant Columbine about 12 inches apart, with rows around 18 inches apart.
What grows well with Columbine?
Columbine is commonly paired with Hostas, Ferns, Bellflowers.