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.

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

Not Yet Rated

Thursday - August 23, 2007

From: Dripping Springs, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Germination of golden dalea seeds
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have collected some golden dalea seeds. I live west of Austin in caliche soil. How would one germinate these seeds? What time of year should I plant them? What kind of seed treatment? Should I scarify them? How long should I wait before they germinate?

ANSWER:

Mr. Smarty Plants found this information about germinating Dalea spp. seeds in How to Grow Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest by Jill Nokes.

"Daleas are easily grown from untreated seeds. Sow in early spring in a greenhouse or outdoors after all danger of frost is past. Dalea seeds germinate best in warm soil. Seedlings usually emerge within 1-3 weeks.

The seed flat or bed should contain well-drained soil, and care should be taken not to overwater. Seedlings may be transplanted to one-gallon containers when they are 6 inches tall."