Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

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

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - May 11, 2015

From: Blanco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seeds and Seeding, Wildflowers
Title: Spring sowing of wildflower seeds in pots
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Is it possible to start wildflower seeds in pots in the spring and then transplant them to the yard?

ANSWER:

Yes, it's possible to do that for some wildflowers, but not for others.  Spring-flowering wildflowers are either winter annuals or perennials.  Winter annuals germinate in the fall and flower the following spring.  Perennials may germinate at any time, but usually grow one to three years before flowering.

Fall-flowering annual wildflowers are good candidates for starting in pots and transplanting.  However, there is not a lot of advantage in doing so and most folks simply sow the seeds directly in the garden where they want them.

 

More Wildflowers Questions

What do wildflower seeds look like from Westlake Village CA
February 23, 2014 - I collect seeds from my wild flower garden but can't always tell what part of the dried flower is the actual seed that will reproduce. Is there a resource that shows the seed part of flowers? Than...
view the full question and answer

Container plant to grow in late afternoon sun
July 02, 2011 - I have a shaded brick walkway that leads to my front door. It faces west, and can get very hot late afternoon Houston sun, although it is shaded for the remainder of the day. I have been successful ...
view the full question and answer

Wildflowers for October wedding from Rockford AL
April 26, 2013 - Want to plant wildflowers that will bloom in early October in central Alabama for a wedding. Can you give me any suggestions ?
view the full question and answer

Where and when bloom; will they bloom in artificial light
November 06, 2005 - Do wildflowers grow through out the world, even in desert and Arctic regions? When do they bloom? Will they bloom in artificial light? What is the most interesting fact about wildflowers?
view the full question and answer

Information on native plants in Canyon State Natural Area
April 21, 2006 - I am the Cubmaster for a Cub Scout Pack here in San Antonio. I am planning summertime activities for the kids this summer. One thing I have decided to do it take them on a hike in the new Government C...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.