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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - July 21, 2015
From: Round rock , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Seeds and Seeding, Drought Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Propagation of Blackfoot daisy seed
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a three yr old Blackfoot daisy. How do you root Blackfoot daisy seeds? When is the best month to grow these seeds?ANSWER:
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy) is so heat- and drought-tolerant that is can thrive where most other plants die. However, starting the seeds growing is another matter, since at this stage moisture is needed and scarification helps. I am going to refer you to a recent Smarty Plants answer to the same question.
"Our usual sources to answer this question failed us, so we wandered around on the Internet and picked up these pieces of information propagating Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy).
"Seeds germinate better if acid scarified. When the soil is warm, sow the seed. Cuttings from semi-soft stems root well and should be approaching woodiness."
"Collect seeds from base of outer ray flowers in the Fall."
Here is an article from Dave's Garden that is probably the most informative."
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Seeds and Seeding Questions
How and when to harvest bluebonnets.
April 30, 2010 - A previous answer mentioned harvesting bluebonnet seeds by pulling up the whole plant when the seed pods turn brown. Two clarifications - when do the seed pods turn brown as these plants are hard to ...
view the full question and answer
Propagation of endangered plant Texas trailing phlox from Carrollton TX
December 26, 2013 - 1. How many seeds does the Texas trailing phlox produce per season?
2. Can the seeds be taken from a living plant without hurting it?
Thank You!
view the full question and answer
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
Propagation of Baptisia from Lancaster OH
August 24, 2012 - My Baptisia has gone to seed. When can I plant these seeds? Do they need strat? (zone 5)
view the full question and answer
Erosion control in Santaquin UT
August 11, 2009 - I have a hill in my backyard; it is about 40 ft tall and about 80 ft wide. It is probably a 1.5 to 1 slope ratio. I am going to be landscaping my back yard and have top soil put on the hill as well. S...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |