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.

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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.

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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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Saturday - September 24, 2011

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Edible Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Patience pays off with chile pequin in Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hello. Re my June 08, 2011 message -- Guess what! The chile pequin is finally flowering and setting fruit in its container on my apartment patio. You said patience, you were right, and hooray once again for Mr. Smarty Plants!! Thanks for all you do.

ANSWER:

Patience is always Dr. Plants No. 1 prescription. Well, next to using plants native to your area, which can also be patient, and are used to growing where you are. We are glad we were right this time. It's not that often that we hear from satisfied customers. We believe this is your previous question concerning Capsicum annuum (Chile pequin).

From the Image Gallery

Chile tepin
Capsicum annuum