When to Plant Columbine in Boulder, Colorado (80310)

Location

Boulder, Colorado

ZIP Code

80310

USDA Zone

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Start Seeds Indoors

Monday, February 23, 2026

Transplant Outdoors

Monday, May 4, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, April 20, 2026 · Zone 6a

Pro tip: Start Columbine seeds indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 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 Boulder?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, February 23, 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 Boulder, Colorado? +

In Boulder (Zone 6a), start Columbine seeds indoors around Monday, February 23, 2026 and transplant outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Boulder, Colorado? +

The average last spring frost date for Boulder, Colorado (ZIP 80310) is around Monday, April 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6a.

How long does Columbine take to grow? +

Columbine typically matures in about 365 days from transplanting. In Boulder, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, May 4, 2026 plus 365 days.

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

Columbine should be started indoors 8 weeks before your last frost date. In Boulder, that means starting around Monday, February 23, 2026.

📚 More Columbine Planting Guides

🗺️

Columbine in Colorado

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 6a Columbine Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

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Growing Columbine in Zone 6a

Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Boulder, Colorado, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should start seeds indoors around Monday, February 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Plan to transplant your Columbine seedlings outdoors around Monday, May 4, 2026, about 2 weeks after your last frost date.