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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

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Saturday - March 20, 2004

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Best of Smarty, Wildflowers
Title: Mowing Bluebonnets
Answered by: Sage Kawecki

QUESTION:

When is it safe to mow Bluebonnets?

ANSWER:

Bluebonnet seed generally matures six to eight weeks after flowering. When mature, the pods/fruit turn yellow brown and start to dry. Mowing at the proper time will ensure re-seeding for a good crop of Bluebonnets for following years. For more information, download our article from our Native Plant Library, entitled “How to Grow Bluebonnets”.

 

From the Image Gallery


Texas bluebonnet
Lupinus texensis

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