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?

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
1 rating

Sunday - March 11, 2007

From: Copper Canyon, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Planting time for wildflower seeds in Denton Co., TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I live in Denton county, Texas and I purchased 2 lbs of native texas wildflower seed from the local agr. extension. Is it too late to plant now and expect flowers from my seed ? Should I plant anyway to get a head start on next spring?

ANSWER:

Generally, the best time to sow seeds is when they would naturally be dispersed—late summer and early fall for most Texas species. However, you might be able get some of the wildflowers up and blooming this year. It is possible that the perennials plants will establish themselves and bloom next year. The annuals that bloom later in the spring and summer do have a good chance. However, early blooming annuals probably aren't going to bloom for you, and, without blossoms to make seeds, these plants won't reappear next year.

You might also find several of our How to Articles (e.g., Wildflower Meadow Gardening and Large Scale Wildflower Planting) helpful when you sow your wildflower seeds.

 

More Wildflowers Questions

Storing Rudbeckia Hirta Seed
October 10, 2014 - I just bought and planted your Rudbeckia hirta seed. I have a lot leftover. Can I store it until spring or better yet, next fall? If so, how?
view the full question and answer

East Texas Natives and Botanical History
May 05, 2011 - I am looking for flowers &/or flowering shrubs that are native to east Texas, especially that would have been in this area over 100 or more years ago.
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants on showiest time for wildflower blooming
August 22, 2004 - I have been to Austin a few times, but never during wildflower season. Can you suggest to me what would be the ideal time to come?
view the full question and answer

When the bluebonnets bloom
January 31, 2003 - Can you tell me when the bluebonnets are in bloom?
view the full question and answer

Fall Flower Planting in Abilene, TX
October 14, 2014 - Are there any flowers that can be planted in the fall in Abilene Texas?
view the full question and answer

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