Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Sunday - April 12, 2009
From: Hurst, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seeds and Seeding, Wildflowers
Title: When to harvest bluebonnet seeds in Hurst TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Can I harvest the Blue Bonnet Seeds now (April) or do I have to wait until they dry up & pods begin to open?ANSWER:
Here is an excerpt from a previous Mr. Smarty Plants question.
"Bluebonnets Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) are described as winter annuals; they germinate in the fall, form rosettes and overwinter, then flower in the spring. When mature, your bluebonnet legumes will burst open, slinging the seeds quite some distance in a seed-dispersal strategy known as explosive dehiscence. Many plants employ this method of seed dispersal. You can pull them, roots and all, from the ground just as the seedpods are turning brown and put them in closed paper grocery bags. You'll be able to hear them popping inside the bag for days or weeks. When they're finished popping, remove the seeds from the bottom of the bag and compost the plants and paper bags."
You can also read our How-to article on Bluebonnets and note that the seeds can then be planted wherever you would like to plant them either right away or in the fall following the instructions in the article.
More Wildflowers Questions
Wildflowers for Murphy NC Clay
August 24, 2012 - I live on a ridge in Murphy NC. The property has trees so most of the land is in partial shade. The soil is good 'ole mountain red clay. I have some steep bankings in front of the house that I wou...
view the full question and answer
Native flowers and plants for landscaping in March in Austin
February 18, 2004 - What are the best flowers and plants to landscape with in the Austin area in March?
view the full question and answer
Planting time and method for bluebonnets in Leander, TX
May 13, 2010 - What month is the right month to plant the bluebonnet seeds? September or October?
Is the correct way to plant is by "throwing" them on top of the ground?
I have a grassy area and I like them...
view the full question and answer
Is it illegal in Texas to pick bluebonnets? No.
December 01, 2008 - Is it illegal in Texas to pick a bluebonnet?
view the full question and answer
Bluebonnets and weeds in Burleson TX
March 31, 2010 - I have lots of blue bonnets growing in my yard but they are overcome with weeds. What can I use to eliminate the weeds without killing the bluebonnets?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
