Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

DONATE TODAY

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

Friday - October 27, 2006

From: Jamestown, NY
Region: Northeast
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Seeding time for wildflower annuals and perennials in New York
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

We have a large area of open land in front of our house and would like to dedicate part of it to wildflowers. I purchased some perenial seeds and would like to know if I can plant these this fall? The seed are Coneflowers, digitalis, Lupines & poppies. Then in the spring add some annual wildflower seeds. Thank you for your help.

ANSWER:

Fall is the perfect time to plant your wildflower seeds. In general, the best time to plant native seeds is when Mom Nature does it. For the plants you mentioned, most of them set and drop seed in the fall. For many seeds (such as the Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and Foxglove (Penstemon digitalis)) cold, moist temperatures benefit germination. Both annuals and perennials will also germinate if planted in the spring. You might find the article, "Wildflower Meadow Gardening" and other articles in our Native Plant Library useful for your project.
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Horse pasture seeds from Pawling NY
April 19, 2013 - We are getting ready to seed an area to be used as horse pasture some time in the future. What seed mix should we use to create an organic horse pasture in Pawling, NY. Ideally there would be some wil...
view the full question and answer

Germination of bluebonnet seeds in Hempstead, TX
April 01, 2008 - We scattered 20 lbs of bluebonnet seeds on our property near Hempstead. Only about 10 plants have come up even though on another part of the property we have thousands. It is well drained and in sun....
view the full question and answer

Plants for a Vacant Lot in the Big Apple
June 24, 2011 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, We have recently gone in to restore a vacant plot in Harlem. This soil is varied, but mostly rubble, old slag, some sand in one area, old fill- pH 7-8.5. We dug a small tren...
view the full question and answer

Dandelions in bluebonnets in Bastrop TX
May 31, 2012 - I have a 20'x60' front yard area where I planted bluebonnets. It has become horrifically inundated with dandelions. How do I eradicate the dandelions while preserving the bluebonnets ? Thanks ...
view the full question and answer

Wildflower trails in the Hill Country in Texas from Austin
February 13, 2011 - Where can I find information about wildflower trails in the Hill Country (from Llano southward to Uvalde area)? I am planning a driving trip the week of April 18th.
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.