When to Plant Columbine in Portsmouth, Virginia (23708)

Location

Portsmouth, Virginia

ZIP Code

23708

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Sunday, March 15, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Sunday, March 29, 2026

Based on last frost Sunday, March 15, 2026 · Zone 8b

Pro tip: Start Columbine seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Aquilegia vulgaris

Days to Maturity 365 days

Mature Height 18-36"

Spread 18"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Partial Shade to Full Sun

💧

Water

Moderate (1 inch/week)

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.125" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 21-30 days

Ready to Plant Columbine in Portsmouth?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Sunday, January 18, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

FernHostasSpring Bulbs

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Columbine

See which plants help Columbine thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🌱 Seed Starting Trays 🪴 Seed Starting Mix 💡 Grow Lights 🌡️ Heat Mat 🌍 Flower Garden Soil ✂️ Pruning Shears 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow seed pods (follicles) to dry and turn brown on the plant. Harvest before they split.

Processing

Crack dry pods over a bowl to release tiny black seeds. Dry 1 week before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Columbines cross freely between varieties and species — saved seeds often produce beautiful new color combinations.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Columbine. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Columbine in Portsmouth, Virginia? +

In Portsmouth (Zone 8b), start Columbine seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Portsmouth, Virginia? +

The average last spring frost date for Portsmouth, Virginia (ZIP 23708) is around Sunday, March 15, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 8b.

How long does Columbine take to grow? +

Columbine typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Portsmouth, that means you can expect harvest around Sunday, March 29, 2026 plus 365 days.

Should I start Columbine indoors or direct sow in Virginia? +

Columbine should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Portsmouth, that means starting around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

📚 More Columbine Planting Guides

🗺️

Columbine in Virginia

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 8b Columbine Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Columbine in Zone 8b

Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Portsmouth, Virginia, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, you should start seeds indoors around Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Sunday, March 15, 2026. Plan to transplant your Columbine seedlings outdoors around Sunday, March 29, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.