Columbine

Grow columbine in humus-rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0, offering afternoon shade in hot climates. A light spring compost dressing is usually enough fertilizer; allow some seed to ripen to replace short-lived plants.

Sun

Part shade

Water

1 in/week, even

Spacing

12 in

First harvest

Perennial; blooms year 2

Tips

• Surface-sow seeds or cover very lightly, keeping the seedbed moist, and thin plants to 12 inches apart.
• Provide about 1 inch of water weekly during active growth without saturating the soil.
• Top-dress with a thin layer of compost each spring instead of heavy feeding.
• Remove leaves badly damaged by leaf miners, since their winding tunnels are usually cosmetic.
• Deadhead for a tidier plant but leave a few seedheads if you want replacement seedlings.