Is it too late to start columbine seeds? If it takes 3-4 weeks to germinate, i'll be transplanting them outside mid to late aug. Will they have enough time to get started or should i wait until next spring? We are located in central IL. Thanks

-- Anonymous, June 27, 2001

Answers

Kevin,

If you are starting the wild, or canadian, variety, you can sow them right in the garden and they should germinate and grow quickly. Any other would be better to sow inside. I usually get fast germination but slow growth. They grow faster if you set the pots outdoors in a cool shady spot.

I am in the same zone as you and would set transplanted columbine out in mid to late August. That still leaves 60 days until first frost, plenty of time for plants to adjust, especially hardy ones like columbine.

Alison Nichols, Iowa

-- Anonymous, July 06, 2001