How to save Columbine Seeds
In southern Ontario (zone 5-7) columbine flowers are putting out seed pods that are ready to collect at end of June, beginning of July. They are prolific seeders and make for a fun seed collection activity with kids.
How to collect columbine seeds
Wait for the petals to fade and drop off.
In place of the flower will be a firework like, green pod. Wait for this to turn yellow and crispy.
The pod will begin to open and you can simply tip it, pouring the seeds into a paper bag.
While you can harvest when the pod is green, the seeds stick within reducing the ability to pour.
Note: Columbine flowers cross pollinate and hybridize. If you have multiple varieties planted, the seeds you are harvesting may be a colourful surprise as will any self seeding varieties that pop up.
If you have the native variety (Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)) in your garden it is recommended that you not add any other varieties to prevent hybridizing.
It is my goal with Buying Thyme to connect the community to nature and practice sustainability practices so we can better our patch of the ecosystem. Our flowers invite you to slow down, savor simple joys, and celebrate the beauty of the seasons wherever you take them, but our blog teaches you how you can apply everything we have learned, on your own property! For our Southern Ontario specific gardening tips make sure to peruse our other blog articles here.
Buying Thyme is your local source for seasonal, sustainably grown flowers. Visit our flower stand where we offer locally gown, cut flowers, to Durham Region. All grown right here on our North Oshawa/Hampton micro flower farm.
Unlike most florists offerings, these flowers have a negative carbon footprint with no transportation, sprays or pesticides. Each year our collection of Ontario native plants grows, which not only offers more beautiful flowers to our clients but also contributes to restoring the local ecosystem.
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