Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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

Friday - May 29, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Meadow Gardens, Seeds and Seeding, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: When to harvest native grass seeds?
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

We are trying to restore native grasses to a small pasture between Oak Hill and Dripping Springs. Last spring (2014), we seeded a mix of sideoats grama, little bluestem, dahl bluestem, and sprangletop. All came up nicely and currently have seeds on the stems. WHEN WILL THE SEEDS FALL? We want to graze our mini donkeys in the pasture but want the grasses to successfully reseed. We mowed once, early in the spring, before the grasses put on seed to help control weeds. Thank you!

ANSWER:

Grass seed ripening is quite dependent on weather conditions.  In a rainy year such as we are having there might be a significant delay.  It is recommended to wait until the seeds feel firm or hard before mowing.  To be on the safe side you might wait until the seed come off fairly easily in your hand when you draw the seed head through your fingers.  This may be as late as mid-summer. Most mature grass seeds are held on the plant for 10-15 days.  Bluestem grass seeds mature later than most other species, ripening in late summer.

Your grass species are all perennial, so they will regrow next year without the addition of fresh seed.  However, the addition of new seed will give a denser sward. So ask your donkeys to be patient this year.

 

More Seeds and Seeding Questions

Growing Sophora gypsophila from seed
April 23, 2008 - Sophora gypsophila B.L. Turner & Powell Do you have any information on growing this small tree from seed? I have a few seeds and would like to try. What conditions break seed dormancy? I have grown ...
view the full question and answer

When to plant wildflowers in California
December 10, 2013 - When is the best time to plant wildflowers in California?
view the full question and answer

Planting bluebonnets
April 20, 2008 - How long do bluebonnet seeds take to mature, and when is the earliest in their development they can be harvested? When can they be scattered?
view the full question and answer

Standing Cypress Plants in San Antonio, TX
June 26, 2013 - I purchased seeds for standing cypress 2 years ago and this spring they look beautiful. What is the best way to harvest the seeds? Also, will the current plants come back next spring or will I have to...
view the full question and answer

Camellia seeds
September 21, 2008 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants; I have a Camellia plant that has bulbs that look like they could be fruit. And when this bulb opened, four or five little nuts came out. Are they fruit or nuts and can they be e...
view the full question and answer

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