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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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Wednesday - April 18, 2007

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Planting time for black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

When is the best time to plant Black-eyed Susan seeds in Central Texas?

ANSWER:

For most wildflowers, fall or early winter is the best time to sow the seeds. Rudbeckia hirta (blackeyed Susan) is no exception, but it may still germinate and grow if planted in early spring. Mid-April might not be too late to sow and still get blooms later in the summer.

 
 

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