Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - January 16, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seeds and Seeding, Herbs/Forbs
Title: What to do about early seedlings
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hello, Over the last few weeks I have noticed that all my naturally occurring poppies and delphiniums have started to sprout up around my yard. Hundreds of them! I imagine it's because of the early freeze we had in November followed by rain and warm temps, of course. I am not even sure they are going to make it past this week's temps in the high 20's but if they do should I expect them to reach full bloom? Should I ignore them and still throw out all of the collected seeds I have saved? All the areas I would normally throw them are currently full of little one inch naturals so it's all a little confusing. Any help on this matter will be greatly appreciated! Thanks ToddANSWER:
Your seedlings should be just fine. If you would like to oversow with some more seeds to hedge your bets, you can do that too, but chances are the seedlings you're seeing now will develop normally and be more vigorous than plants from later-sown seeds. Nature rarely gets it wrong.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Growing conditions for Giant Coneflower from San Antonio
August 09, 2013 - Rudbeckia maxima is considered to be a perennial plant for the sun but I have had a difficult time maintaining it in a pot in full sun before attempting to plant. Do you feel that it will survive and...
view the full question and answer
Green blooms on Cedar Sage in Lucas TX
September 22, 2010 - I have two Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana) one purchased from your plant sale and one from a local nursery planted in part shade in the Dallas area.
They seem to be quite happy and are blooming but ...
view the full question and answer
Sharing Selfheal with Texas Friends
April 25, 2013 - I have discovered selfheal plants in my yard. When and how do I collect the seeds or do I just dig up plants to share with friends? I understand this is actually an herb. I love identifying wildflower...
view the full question and answer
Will Canada geese eat Asclepias tuberosa from Cape May Court, NJ
May 20, 2014 - Will Canada geese eat my butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)? I know this plant is deer resistant. I really want to plant some on sandy bank near pond in my back yard, but I fear the geese will ...
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for Kingsland TX
October 11, 2012 - I am looking for a list of native ground covers and grasses(not lawn grass).
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |