Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_20.gif)
Tuesday - July 21, 2015
From: Round rock , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Seeds and Seeding, Drought Tolerant, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Propagation of Blackfoot daisy seed
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have a three yr old Blackfoot daisy. How do you root Blackfoot daisy seeds? When is the best month to grow these seeds?ANSWER:
Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy) is so heat- and drought-tolerant that is can thrive where most other plants die. However, starting the seeds growing is another matter, since at this stage moisture is needed and scarification helps. I am going to refer you to a recent Smarty Plants answer to the same question.
"Our usual sources to answer this question failed us, so we wandered around on the Internet and picked up these pieces of information propagating Melampodium leucanthum (Blackfoot daisy).
"Seeds germinate better if acid scarified. When the soil is warm, sow the seed. Cuttings from semi-soft stems root well and should be approaching woodiness."
"Collect seeds from base of outer ray flowers in the Fall."
Here is an article from Dave's Garden that is probably the most informative."
From our Native Plant Image Gallery:
More Propagation Questions
Transplanting a young lilac
November 05, 2012 - This past spring I planted a hybrid lilac in the ground. The weather here has started to get cold, and much more so at night. Also, the temperatures go from warm to cold and back again as if unsure wh...
view the full question and answer
Where can seeds or plants of Ruellia nudiflora be obtained from Cedar Park TX
January 10, 2011 - Where can I purchase Ruellia nudiflora seeds or plants?
view the full question and answer
Time to mulch without inhibiting seeds in Hitchcock, TX
March 17, 2010 - When would be the best time of year to put down mulch, if I want my native plants to re-seed? I don't want to bury the seed under mulch layers or new dirt.
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Can trimmings from non-native globe willows be planted from Broken Arrow OK?
June 13, 2010 - We have 2 globe willow trees in our back yard. We trim low hanging branches. Can we take these cut branches, -plant them and have it grow into a new globe willow tree?
view the full question and answer
How to propagate Scarlet leatherflower (Clematis texensis)
May 25, 2015 - How do you collect seeds for the scarlet leatherflower?
I saw your answer on how to grow from seeds but I'm not sure how to collect the seeds. Also is it possible to grow the scarlet leatherflower...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |