You can pick bluebonnets. The rest is up to Mother Nature. Get outside and enjoy the many natural wonders our state has to offer. Seed may be sown at harvest or stored for future planting in the produce section of the refrigerator until the fall. Abraham Cowley, The Garden (1666). It can take some time to establish a large stand of Texas Bluebonnets, as the seeds can be finicky with their specific requirements. Bluebonnet seeds should be sown in the fall, after the first rain. Water thoroughly but gently. Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here! She has also worked with several daily newspapers across the United States, serving as a graphic designer, writer and editor. 3. Don't mow or cut back plant until seed pods turn brown (6-8 weeks after blooming). This is the issue Im struggling with in my wildflower meadow behind our back fence. Best of luck with your wildflower gardening. Bluebonnets are projected to bloom throughout most of Texas around the end of March and the beginning of April in 2022, with the season lasting until the end of April and early May. Mine get 4-6 hours. Filed Under: Activities, Day Trips, Discoveries. Get over it. The seed should be thoroughly air dried on newspaper. (And Ive made a note to self: Theyre not weeds, so dont pull them up accidentally a la last year.). Make sure the root ball isat the same depth as it was in the previous pot. Bluebonnets can be grown in raised flower beds, containers and hanging baskets. This is a natural habit and the plant will not grow rapidly until the warmth of spring initiates flower stalks. Its best for everyone to leave the flowers to grow for everyone to enjoy. Otherwise, scarify the seeds yourself. The Bluebonnet is a symbol of Texas because the bluebonnet only grows in Texas. By mowing after the seeds have matured, you allow the plants to reseed themselves for next year. I hate it when you two fight! Getting around can be dangerous. Pamela Price of Wildflower Media Group, LLC, and the publisher of this website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You get over it. This is the variety most available at nurseries here in Central Texas and the easiest to grow. You can cut them back once they have released their seeds. Letssee your bluebonnets! Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! I purchased this plant in a roadside stand in central VA! The bold blue, fragrant flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, making this the perfect specimen for containers, flowerbeds and cottage gardens. Seeds sown naturally take two to three years to germinate. Hosted by Brian Sullivan, "Last Call" is a fast-paced, entertaining business . For the sake of this article, Im just going to focus on Lupinus texensis. The long answer? If you're able to find springtime seedlings at a nursery, transport them carefully. Seeds sown naturally take two to three years to germinate. The top petal is blue and the bottom is white. Seeds form along the stem during the bloom cycle. If it is a large area, it should be mowed to a height of four to six inches. Bluebonnets want 8-10 hours of full, direct sun. However, if you have a hot, sunny spot not shaded by trees then bluebonnets are going to thrive! Have some respect! Allow the soil to dry out between the watering spells. Do not mow until the plants are in this stage. I love that your home came with its own ample supply of bluebonnets! Mowing and planting seeds to encourage wildflower growth along state highways, such as Texas 16, have been part of Texas Department of Transportation policy since the 1930s. Simply scatter seeds over the area, lightly cover with soil and give a gentle soaking of water. Bluebonnet seeds are ready when the plant looks brown or nearly dead. There are many ways to scarify seeds, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center recommends taking your pick of one of three straightforward methods: Nick the seeds with a knife or file just until you see the lighter, inner color of the seeds; rub the seeds with sandpaper until you achieve the same result; or put the seeds in a bag and freeze them overnight before pouring boiling water over them the next day and leaving them to soak at room temperature for several hours. You have entered an incorrect email address! [CDATA[// >