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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.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Friday - March 19, 2010

From: Natural Bridge Station, BC
Region: Canada
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for seeds of non-native poinsettias from British Columbia
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Hello, I would like to grow my own Christmas poinsettias from seed. Do you know where I may be able to purchase seeds?

ANSWER:

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to the use, care and propagation of plants native not only to North America, not including Mexico, but to the area in which they are being grown. Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia, is native to Mexico, and is propagated by cuttings. This article from the University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program should give you some help.
 

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