Native Plants

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Thursday - November 05, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Planting fields with wildflowers
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I'm hoping to seed a few fields (large area, short grass) the easiest way possible. I'd love to do bluebonnets but I don't think I can get a large aerator to the locations. Basically I'm wondering what would be the biggest bang for my buck in terms of ease of planting and flower density (with preference for the classics like paintbrushes, and for something I could seed this season if not too late). Thanks!ANSWER:
Let me start by referring you to three articles on our How To Articles page; in the section titled Large Scale Wildflower Planting, the three articles are Getting Started, Meadow Gardening,and Recreating a Prairie. Scrolling down the How To page, you'll find the All About Bluebonnets section which has three article about planting blubonnets. There isn't any mention of needing an aerator in any of these articles.
One of our supplier associates, Native American Seed in Junction, Texas has a number of seed mixes for wildflowers and native grasses. They also have a helpful article, Planting Tips for Native Grasses.
If you plan to have bluebonnets for the spring, you need to get the seeds planted very soon.More Wildflowers Questions
Bluebonnets and paintbrush for Fredericksburg VA
April 10, 2011 - Can I broadcast Texas bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush seeds, in Virginia, during early Spring and get germination; or, do I need to winterize and plant next spring.
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Optimum mowing time for acreage with spring wildflowers
November 17, 2003 - I have several acres where wildflowers grow in the spring, & would like to know when and how often to mow this field for optimum blooms?
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Source for seeds of Mexican primrose from Dallas
April 25, 2013 - Can I purchase Mexican Evening Primrose seeds now for planting in the fall or do I need to wait for the fresh crop of seeds that will be gathered from this spring flowering. How can I be assured the ...
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Optimal time to separate and transplant black-eyed Susan
May 26, 2007 - When is the optimal time to separate or transplant black eyed Susan. I have some in a planter on my patio, but it has multiplied and become too crowded for the pot; it needs water daily.
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Care of wildflower meadow dried out in drought
June 30, 2011 - Mr Smarty Plants,
Our wildflower patch is completely dried up here in Lucas,Tx.
What do you do with the field? Mow it? Trim it? Let it be?
The patch is about 1/2 acre..
Thanks,
view the full question and answer
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