Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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?

Share

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

Mustang grape
Vitis mustangensis

Mustang grape
Vitis mustangensis

More Propagation Questions

Student wants pointers to increase germination rate of Salvia farinacea in Lubbock, Texas
October 06, 2010 - I am a student at Texas Tech, studying environmental horticulture. I have been doing research on Salvia farinacea as well as a number of other natives. I've just been assigned a project to increase t...
view the full question and answer

Scarifying seeds of evergreen sumacs from Lockhart TX
May 19, 2013 - Dear Smarty Plants, We would like to grow our own evergreen sumacs. Consulting Nokes book, How to Grow Native Plants on page 310, it says to scarify fresh uncleaned seeds for 30-45 minutes. On page...
view the full question and answer

Propogating snowbells from Elmendorf TX
June 06, 2012 - Is it possible to propagate Styrax platanifolius and Halesia diptera from cuttings? If yes, what is the process?
view the full question and answer

Propagation of rain, oxblood, and copper lily bulbs
November 30, 2012 - I have Rain Lily, Oxblood Lily, and Copper Lily bulbs out of the ground, that are putting out some green growth. I would like to plant them soon. Is it okay to plant now and in December, or do I hav...
view the full question and answer

Seeds to scatter from Austin
March 20, 2014 - Which seeds are good to throw and scatter on lawns or garden beds? Seeds that germinate easily, I suppose?
view the full question and answer

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