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

Saturday - July 27, 2013

From: Victoria, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Mistake in propagation of Mustang grapes from Victoria TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

I didn't read first! I planted dried mustang grape seeds in good potting soil, watered and put on tall clear plastic bags to retain moisture, will they ever come up? Should I get the seed out and refrigate? Is all lost? Please help. I live at Victoria, Texas. Thank you.

ANSWER:

This USDA Plant Profile Map does not indicate that Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) grows naturally in Victoria County, though it does grow in counties around it. Here are its growing conditions from our webpage on the plant:

"Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Limestone-based, Clay, Clay Loam, Medium Loam, Sandy Loam, Sandy"

You might want to check with the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office for Victoria County to make sure you have the appropriate soils for this plant.

We have several previous answers to questions on propagating Mustang grapes. Read them first:

Previous question - March 20, 2005

June 15, 2006

July 14, 2004

Or, from eHelpful Tips, How to Grow Mustang Grapes

In none of those did we see dried seed or plastic bags mentioned. Frankly, we would skip that and start over with fresh seeds or root cuttings in the Fall, as suggested.

From the Image Gallery

Mustang grape
Vitis mustangensis