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
Wednesday - March 02, 2016
From: Mesquite, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seeds and Seeding, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Are Bluebonnet seeds still viable after storage for a year?
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I bought a pouch of Bluebonnets a year ago and now found them and have to wait to Fall to plant. Too old? Start over in purchase?ANSWER:
Lupinus texensis (Texas bluebonnet) seed are viable for several years if kept in a dry place at room temperature or, better, in the refrigerator.
Before planting the seed they should be treated to allow water to enter through the hard outer coat. As stated in our Bluebonnet description "Scarification will hasten germination. Put seeds in the freezer overnight and then douse with boiling water to crack seedcoats. Soaking seeds overnight is also effective. Drain water, add rhizobium, and plant."
Additional tips for planting Bluebonnets can be found at this web site.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Central Texas flowers suitable for cutting from Leander TX
October 29, 2011 - Please suggest Central TX native flowers that would be especially suitable for a "cutting garden" for interior arrangements.
view the full question and answer
Milkweed recommendations for Austin, TX
October 20, 2014 - I live on thin limestone soil in Austin's NW Hills. I'd like to plant some milkweed to help the monarch butterflies in their migration. Which species should I plant, and are those available in our...
view the full question and answer
Can Dicentra exemia survive in Texas from Houston
April 23, 2011 - Is the Houston/Austin area too hot to grow "Bleeding Hearts" dicentra eximia (King of Hearts) They seem to grow in the wild in Maryland, Virginia, and Tennessee.
view the full question and answer
Turk's Cap not returning from Plano TX
April 02, 2014 - My Turk's Cap has shown no signs of coming back this year as of March 31. I pruned to about 12 inches because it was so bushy last year and it was not mulched thru our harsh winter (10 degree low and...
view the full question and answer
Annual flowers for rocky area near driveway in Pennsylvania
May 25, 2010 - What type(s) of annual flowers can I plant along a driveway in northeast PA? The soil is very rocky and the area is mostly shady receiving only morning and some late afternoon sun.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |