Properties, sowing and more

What do the seeds look like and when do they ripen?

They are elongated oval and extremely small. Their color is black and their smooth surface has a slight sheen. The seeds of most columbine varieties ripen after the Heyday between July and August.

Sow the seeds

If you have the Columbine already have in the garden and want to propagate them, you can collect the seeds yourself. A single plant forms numerous seeds, which are located in a capsule. When the capsule dries up, it bursts and reveals the seeds it contains. Harvest the capsules when they are dry and the seeds rustle inside.

the sowing is very simple:

• Sow seeds directly into the bed in April / May
• mix the seeds with sand beforehand (then they can be distributed better)
• cover with earth
• spray with a fine water shower
• Germination time: 4 to 6 weeks

Grown at home

If you want to be on the safe side, you can prefer the seeds at home. This should start between February and March. As vessels for the

sowing can use both pots as well Growing trays to serve. Before sowing, it is recommended to put the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. The seeds of some columbine varieties are cold germs.

That's how it's done:

• in Potting soil sow B. spread the seeds with tweezers)
• Cover 5 mm thick with earth and press down
• moisten with hand sprayer and keep moist
• place in a bright place
• optimal germination temperature: 17 to 20 ° C (e.g. B. in the living room on the windowsill)
• possibly. Prick out from a size of 5 cm
• put outside from mid-May or plant out

Self-sowing - the hobby of these seeds

However, you do not have to forcibly sow these seeds. They also like to sow themselves. But the disadvantage is that if you have different types of Akeleis, they often cross each other. The result after self-sowing are not single-variety specimens.

The Columbine can get quite a nuisance from its urge to self-sow. Over the years, it can literally become a weed that proliferates in the vegetable patch, for example. Those who do not want the seeds to sow themselves should use the withered flowers or the immature seed heads cut off.

The seeds are poisonous!

Not to forget: the seeds of the columbine are highly poisonous! They contain magnoflorin and a glycoside that converts to hydrocyanic acid in the body. Symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and cardiac arrhythmias. Most of the time these don't last long.

Tips & Tricks

Keep the poisonous Keep seeds safe from children and pets!