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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Friday - April 25, 2014
From: Elmendorf, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Seeds and Seeding, Wildflowers
Title: Viability of Lupinus havardii seeds from Elmendorf TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have been able to grow several Lupinus havardii (Big Bend Bluebonnet) and they are now making seed. Is there anyway to determine if a seed is good or bad for this plant?ANSWER:
As it happens, we have a recent previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on the viability of bluebonnet seeds, with links to more information on the subject. That question was from Houston and just addressed bluebonnets in general. According to this USDA Plant Profile Map, Lupinus havardii (Big bend bluebonnet) only grows natively in two counties, Presidio and Brewster, deep in the (what else?) Big Bend area of Texas. So, we have no idea if you can grow them successfully in Central Texas. First, follow this plant link, Lupinus havardii (Big bend bluebonnet), to our webpage on the plant and compare the growing conditions on that with what you have in your garden (sun? soil? moisture?) and then give it a try. What do you have to lose if you already have seedlings? Be sure and read our How-To Articles on How to Grow Bluebonnets and Scarification FAQs.
From the Image Gallery
More Propagation Questions
Germination of Sophora seeds, and Dodder identification in Kingsland, TX.
May 02, 2012 - Our Mt. Laurel has just produced seeds. Can those be scarified and planted now or do they have to dry out.
Also what is the stringy orange substance that gets on bluebonnets and other wildflowers ...
view the full question and answer
Germination of bluebonnets from seed
December 16, 2007 - I am having problems getting my bluebonnet (Alamo Fire and regular bluebonnets to germinate from seed). Usually I soak them in lukewarm water overnight then plant in a potting mix. I am only getting...
view the full question and answer
Germination of Purple Clematis from Junction TX
October 31, 2013 - I have some Purple Leather Vine seeds I want to share and want help learning to germinate. Can anyone there help me find interested recipients?
view the full question and answer
Removal of non-native zoysia grass from Burgettstown PA
September 12, 2013 - What is the most effective method of killing zoysia grass? We bought a house that sits in the center of four acres of mature zoysia. It looks beautiful, however, despite our best efforts at "weeding...
view the full question and answer
Growing Texas wildflowers indoors for a March wedding from Austin
October 01, 2013 - I have learned so much from this site! Thank you! I am getting Married this March and I am hoping to use Texas wildflowers for the centerpieces. I hope to grow them in containers indoors and have the ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |