When to plant Columbine in Juneau City and Borough County,
Columbine planted in Juneau City and Borough County between May 10 and May 31 matures in 100 days — well before the October 2 first frost.
When to Plant Columbine in Juneau City and Borough, AK
Your June game plan for Juneau City and Borough, Alaska
Each item below is timed to Juneau City and Borough, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Time to start columbine inside
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Harvest columbine as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: columbine
Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a graceful native perennial of eastern North America, producing distinctive nodding flowers with spurred red-and-yellow petals that are irresistible to hummingbirds and native bees in spring. Its blue-green, fernlike foliage remains attractive long after flowering. Garden hybrid columbines (A. x hybrida) extend the color palette to the full spectrum and are equally adaptable. Short-lived by perennial standards (3–4 years per plant), but prolific self-seeders that perpetuate themselves and even hybridize freely in the garden, creating ever-evolving color combinations. An ideal woodland edge and cottage garden plant.
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 152 days.
At an elevation of 930 feet, Juneau City and Borough receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 57°F, so choose short-season varieties of Columbine to ensure they mature before fall.
Juneau City and Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Columbine Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Juneau City and Borough
How your county's soil matches Columbine's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.5) is more acidic than Columbine prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Juneau City and Borough is excellent for Columbine — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.7%) — Columbine will thrive.
How to Plant Columbine
Succession Planting Columbine
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 24 to harvest before frost.
Columbine Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Columbine
Columbine needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Columbine Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Juneau City and Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Columbine Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Columbine Planting Timeline — Juneau City and Borough, AK
Columbine Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Bloom | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 2 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
152 days in Juneau City and Borough
Growing Tips for Columbine in Juneau City and Borough
Direct sow Columbine outdoors after May 03 in Juneau City and Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost with 4–6 weeks of cold moist stratification first (mix seeds with moist perlite in a bag and refrigerate), or direct-sow outdoors in fall for natural stratification. Transplant to the garden 2–4 weeks after last frost in spring. Prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in Zones 6+. After bloom, allow seed pods to mature and scatter if you want natural self-seeding; deadhead if you want to prevent spreading. Individual plants are typically short-lived (3–5 years) but colonies persist through prolific self-seeding. Leafminers may create white tunnels in foliage — unsightly but rarely serious. Year 2+ plants flower most profusely.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Columbine in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Columbine in Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Columbine planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Juneau City and Borough, AK?
Juneau City and Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Columbine in Juneau City and Borough County, ?
In Juneau City and Borough County, , plant Columbine after the last frost (around May 3) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Juneau City and Borough County, for Columbine?
Juneau City and Borough County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Columbine grows reliably in zones 3a through 9a, so it's a good fit here.
Can Columbine grow in Juneau City and Borough County's climate?
Yes — Columbine grows well in Juneau City and Borough County's temperate climate. Juneau City and Borough County averages a 152-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 3 and first frost around October 2.
Your Juneau City and Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Juneau City and Borough (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.