Staffelei

Season Overview

Description

Columbines are a plant genus within the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). There are between 70-120 species, which are mainly found in the temperate climate of the northern hemisphere. Some species are used as ornamental plants and are popular with insects. Columbines are perennial, herbaceous plants with the typical sepals and petals of their flowers, which range from white to blue and yellow to red. Common names include gypsy bell, jester's cap, dove's flower, elf's glove and Venus' chariot. Columbine is poisonous and the common columbine is a protected species.

Growing tips

Easy to care for. There are differences between the subspecies and varieties in terms of soil and moisture requirements. Cut back after flowering and fertilize afterwards, then the columbine will germinate again in autumn. Germination 4-6 weeks at 17-20°C in the shade and even humidity. Does not thrive so well next to birch or Norway maple. Good with silver candles, funkia, ferns, daffodils, monkshood, larkspur, cranesbill, lentisk, silver lady's mantle and tearing hearts. Only flowers in the 2nd year. Some varieties are cold germinators, some are not. The cold germinators are only planted out in the fall or very early spring. Sowing depth: 0.5 cm.

Details

Light requirement

Semi-shaded

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Germination temperature

3 – 4 °C (Degrees Celsius)

Plant distance

25 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

5 cm