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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Need a source of sulfuric acid for scarifying bluebonnet seeds in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I see that you recommend soaking blue bonnet seeds in concentrated h2so4 to facilitate germination. Where do you suggest I buy the sulfuric acid? I live here in Austin. Thank you,ANSWER:
FIrst as a reminder, I'm including the warning from our "How to Grow Bluebonnets" article.
(Caution: sulfuric acid requires special handling procedures and should not be attempted without proper equipment such as gloves, masks and a ventilation hood.)
If you have not handled sulfuric acid before, it is nasty stuff, and personally I would try some of the other techniques for scarification. The cost/benefit analysis leans away from sulfuric acid.
The Capitol Scientific Company here in Austin is one source of sulfuric acid, and Sciencelab.com is a website where it can be purchased.
More Seed and Plant Sources Questions
Number of seeds per pound for Curvepod fumewort from Bridger MT
June 17, 2010 - Do you know or where can I find the number of seeds per pound for Corydalis curvisiliqua-scrambled eggs?
view the full question and answer
Trying to find a supplier for east Texas wetland plants
December 11, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I'm trying to find suppliers for native, East Texas wetland plants (edge and submerged) and can't seem to find any. Can you help?
view the full question and answer
Suppliers for Lantana urticoides
March 23, 2007 - I would like to plant yellow Lantana in my beds because of the hot drought conditions we have in north central Texas. Where can I find this to plant now?
view the full question and answer
Source of native Desert Lily for The Netherlands
July 23, 2010 - I am searching a bulb of Hesperocallis undulata. Do you know where I can get/buy this bulb
I hope you can help me.
Thank you very much
warmest regards
The Netherlands
view the full question and answer
Alternatives to non-Texas native pin cherry for Texas
February 28, 2006 - Dear Ms. Smarty Plants,
I learned that the fire cherry/ pin cherry is a very hardy tree, and that it is very drought resistant. I live in zone 7, on black land, which becomes very dry in the summer. ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |