Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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

Saturday - August 31, 2013

From: sandusky, OH
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Planting, Propagation, Herbs/Forbs
Title: What to do with 200 yucca seedlings in Sandusky, OH?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

I have over two hundred 3 month old yucca seedlings from my last yr. Yucca plants. I soaked the the seeds for 24 hrs. planted them in trays and now they are abt. 2 inch tall. My question is, should I place them in the ground or keep them in side for the 1st winter zone 5 Sandusky,Ohio. Thanks

ANSWER:

You didn’t mention which Yucca you have, but there are 28 species listed in our Native Plant Database, with Yucca filamentosa (Adam's needle) being the only one that grows natively in Ohio. Many of the others are found farther west with Yucca arkansana (Arkansas yucca) and Yucca glauca (Soapweed yucca) being found in Missouri.

Mr. Smarty Plants isn’t sure what you plan on doing  with 200 plus yucca seedlings, but placing them all in the ground seems labor seems labor intensive. Are you eventually going to pot them? Potting them now,  and keeping them them inside or perhaps in a cold frame for the winter would seem to be a better use of your time. It also may be easier on the plants.

This link to gardeningknowhow.com has some tips for growing and caring for yucca plants.
 

More Planting Questions

Tree removal from Austin
November 18, 2013 - Unfortunately we need to cut down a Spanish oak (11" diameter, over 50 feet tall) that is leaning against our upper story deck (if it falls, the roof, deck, and steel supports may be crushed). A lim...
view the full question and answer

Permit to transport trees in Ivanhoe TX
December 02, 2010 - Do you have to have a special permit to transport trees on a semi truck and trailer in Texas? They are Texas grown trees, just going to a different location inside the state.
view the full question and answer

Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas.
December 04, 2011 - I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
view the full question and answer

Ground cover for sun in Phenix City, AL
April 04, 2011 - I live in Phenix City, AL and am new to planting. I have a 60 x 15 feet slope that is just dirt. I am going to till it next week and want to plant some various ground cover plants (that will grow to c...
view the full question and answer

When is the best time to transplant Esperanza bushe in Buda, TX?
September 04, 2013 - When is the best time to transplant an Esperanza bush? I want to move it because it is overwhelming my front yard. Thank you,
view the full question and answer

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