Aquilegia canadensis, commonly known as Eastern red columbine, is a native perennial that is well-suited for gardens and naturalized landscapes. It can be grown from seed with the following planting instructions for both outdoor sowing and indoor starting.
Planting Outdoors (Fall & Spring)
Site Selection
Choose a partly shaded to full sun location. Aquilegia canadensis prefers dappled shade or partial sun, especially in warmer climates, but can tolerate full sun in cooler regions.
It grows well in woodland edges, meadows, and rocky slopes.
Ensure the site has good drainage, as the plant does not like wet, soggy conditions.
Soil Preparation
Aquilegia canadensis prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is too heavy, improve it by adding organic matter, such as compost.
The soil should be moist but well-drained. Avoid areas with standing water.
Ensure the soil is not too rich in nutrients, as the plant does not require overly fertile soil.
Planting Depth
Surface sowing is recommended because the seeds need light to germinate. Sprinkle the tiny seeds evenly on the soil surface and press them in lightly. You can cover them with a thin layer of fine soil or sand, but don’t bury them too deeply.
Keep the seeds close to the surface to allow light exposure for germination.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
During the germination period, water gently to avoid washing away the seeds.
Once established, Eastern red columbine is somewhat drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering, particularly during dry spells.
Stratification & Scarification
Stratification: Aquilegia canadensis requires cold stratification to break seed dormancy. For fall sowing, the cold winter conditions will naturally stratify the seeds.
If sowing in the spring, you will need to cold stratify the seeds by placing them in a moist paper towel or sand inside a plastic bag and refrigerating them for 30-60 days before planting.
Scarification is not necessary for Aquilegia canadensis seeds.
Timing
Fall Sowing: Sow the seeds in late fall after the first frost. The seeds will undergo natural stratification over the winter and germinate in the spring.
Spring Sowing: For spring sowing, start the stratification process in the winter, then sow the seeds outdoors once the soil warms up, typically after the last frost.
Maintenance
After germination, thin out the seedlings to maintain good air circulation and ensure proper spacing (about 12-18 inches apart).
Keep the area free of weeds and mulched to help maintain soil moisture.
If the plants start to grow tall and leggy, consider staking or providing support.
Aquilegia canadensis may need some maintenance in the form of cutting back old growth after flowering to maintain an attractive appearance.
Starting Seeds Indoors (Spring for Later Transplanting)
Planting Containers
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage.
Fill the containers with well-draining seed-starting mix.
Soil & Planting
Sprinkle the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil. Press lightly to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Don’t cover the seeds with too much soil, as they need light to germinate.
Stratification
If you didn't stratify the seeds in advance, place them in a refrigerator in a moist paper towel or sand for 30-60 days to cold-stratify them.
After stratification, sow the seeds in pots or trays.
Germination
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks under optimal conditions (65–70°F or 18–21°C).
Provide bright, indirect light once the seeds begin to germinate, or use a grow light to prevent the seedlings from becoming leggy.
Transplanting Outdoors
After the danger of frost has passed and the seedlings are large enough to handle, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
Transplant the seedlings to the prepared outdoor location, spacing them 12–18 inches apart.
Invasiveness
Aquilegia canadensis is not considered invasive. It is a native species in the eastern United States and generally does not spread aggressively. However, it may self-seed in the garden, especially if conditions are favorable. This self-seeding is not typically problematic and can result in naturalized growth in your landscape.
By following these instructions, you can enjoy the vibrant, red flowers of Aquilegia canadensis in your garden, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds. The plant's unique flowers and delicate foliage make it a lovely addition to a native garden.
