When starting Columbine perennials from seed indoors with a grow light, do I leave the light on 24/7 or turn off at night or periodically?
Generally, 12 hours per day is plenty. You can use a timer or turn them off manually every day.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/do-seedling-plants-need-dark.htm
Indoors, I planted various perennial seeds (Columbine, Carnation and Gaillardia) about 21-30 days ago using small seed-starter greenhouses with grow lights. For 2 weeks I left the clear plastic tops on the greenhouses and the balance of the time removed the tops. I also kept the starter soil watered lightly using a spray bottle. I positioned the grow lights about 6-7 inches above the starter trays. None of the seeds have started to sprout yet and these species of perennials say they should sprout in 7-14 days (carnation and gaillardia) and 22-30 days (columbine). Please advise if I am doing something wrong or need to do something different. Thank You, Steve B.
Generally, after planting the seeds and watering, the tops are put in place and not removed until the seedlings emerge. So you could recover and see if that helps. Do not add more water till the seedlings emerge and the soil dries a bit.
Were the seeds purchased from a reputable dealer? They may not be viable.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/dianthus/growing-carnations.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbine-flower.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/blanket-flower/growing-blanket-flowers.htm
My columbines have overtaken my garden. How and when is the best time to remove some in order to not kill and give to someone else?
You should only divide them every two or three years. It's important to gently dig them up, separate the roots, shake out the dirt, plant them as separate plants. I would wait until they are completely finished blooming. Here's a more general article about caring for columbines:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine
Full afternoon sun
Yes. They will do well! Generally, you only need to worry about afternoon sun further South.
Here is an article to help you to grow the plant:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbine-flower.htm
Bee Balm, Peach leaf Bellflower, Caroline Phlox?? Any other suggestions?
The list of compatible plants will be quite incredible! There are not many things that will not do well around them, as long as they have similar requirements.
Here are some articles that will give you good ideas of common companionships:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbine-flower.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/companion-planting-with-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ferns/taking-care-of-outdoor-ferns.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/lily/companions-for-lilies.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/impatiens/impatiens-plant-companions.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/iris/iris-companion-plants.htm
It's like a mound of dirt has erupted in the middle of the plant and all the stalks have fallen over from the middle all around it.
This appears to be the damage of a burrowing creature. Here are some articles to control groundhogs, moles, and voles:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/get-rid-groundhogs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/mole-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm
I'm in southeast Alaska. I've usually left my potted columbine outside for the winter. This year, it has new growth at the soil line and I'm wondering if I should bring it inside. Thanks in advance for your advice.
If you can replicate the conditions this wildflower needs, it should be possible to overwinter it indoors. It may not do much all winter, but if you put it back outside in the spring, it should be fine. Unless you want it to self-seed, you can remove the spent flowers and trim back the stems, and water it occasionally throughout the winter, but don't allow the soil to get soggy.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/columbine/columbine-flower.htm