But is there any truth to it? Can you plant bluebonnets in your yard? But it's not too early for them, Amelia Wolf, a biology professor at UT Austin, said. Seeds sown naturally take two to three years to germinate. I can watch part of my spread from the dining room window as I work. You can also grow them from seeds, but it is difficult as the outer shell of the bluebonnet seed is hard, which it makes it difficult for germination. Leave the pods to dry and then open and remove the seeds. To accommodate them, youll need a container thats up to the task: a 5-gallon terra-cotta pot or whiskey barrel. Like most wildflowers, bluebonnets benefit from good seed contact with the soil, lots of sun, adequate water and very little, if any, fertilizer. The Bluebonnet is a symbol of Texas because the bluebonnet only grows in Texas. It should be noted that the above dates are just averages.. What was about an 8 foot patch is now about 30 feet long by maybe 15 feet wide, and the original patch is just about as dense as it was when I planted it! They always remind me of her . While blue is the most common color, there are albino white and red strains as well as a rare pink strain named "Abbott." You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form. However, if you have a hot, sunny spot not shaded by trees then bluebonnets are going to thrive! This allows seed time to germinate and grow throughout the winter months, during which time a heavy root system and a sturdy plant is developed to produce an abundance of spring flowers. Not sure who owns it, but there are lots of people parked on the shoulder of the road in the evenings so they can gain access (there are always 4 or 5 at 5pm, so I'm sure that number grows mid-evening). Filed Under: Activities, Day Trips, Discoveries. As long as the seeds drop in fast-draining soil and the sun shines brightly, the flowers should supply many blooming encore performances, Better Homes & Gardens says. Bluebonnets want 8-10 hours of full, direct sun. Im Haeley from San Antonio, Texas, and I want to help you grow more natives. All Rights Reserved. That means those butterflies will lay their eggs on bluebonnets. After first freeze, the bottom leaves develop a deep crimson color. Luckily, there are plenty of Earth Day events Austin prepares for locals and vistors alike. After first freeze, the bottom leaves develop a deep crimson color. For planting bluebonnets seeds, buy those that are chemically treated and already scarified. If you do scarify your seeds, use caution because they can be damaged easily, which will prevent germination. Or buy treated seeds from seedsource.com, which will helpsupport the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'austinot_com-banner-1','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-austinot_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'austinot_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-austinot_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-108{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, You can buy bluebonnettransplants atlocal garden centers (I found some at H-E-B, a great resource for inexpensive herbs). Whats not to love about these beauties, especially when they blanket Hill Country fields and roadsides with their bright, perky blue-and-white charm? In addition to their legendary status on highways, bluebonnets also make attractive container plants. The Texas Department of Public Safety says there is no law against picking bluebonnets in the state. This is actually a smart move recommended by the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, which says that fall planting will give seeds and seedlings time to grow bigger by spring and boast more colorful blooms. When they're finished popping, which can take several days, remove the seeds from the bag and save them to be planted wherever you like. If your bluebonnets grow in a field, lawn area or on a hillside, you can mow them right along with the grass and other wildflowers that may pop up. Growing bluebonnets in dry and sunniest spot in your garden that is sloppy is optimal, at least, 6 hours of sun is required. April 3, 2015 by Leah Nyfeler 19 Comments, Bluebonnets in bloom at Pace Bend Park, Spicewood, TX (Credit: Jeff Cohen, Moonshine Images). Winter rains and weather will impact how many blooms you get, but if conditions are right and you allow them to reseed, you may grow a bumper crop over a period of years. The plants continue to grow close to the ground as rosettes throughout the winter, gaining size and strength before flowering sometime around late March or early April. This nitrogen fixation is needed for the bluebonnets to bloom. Don't scarify -- scuff up -- bluebonnet seeds unless you can control their water supply during the winter. Stretches of lovely bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) draw your attention to their attractive blue-purple flowers whose shape resembles that of a bonnet. Stay up to date with the latest news and learn more about who we are. Would you believe I spotted a bluebonnet poking up in my yard this weekend?!? These treasures attract many visitors each year and you can find them across the state. Also, dont stop on the side of the road to pick bluebonnets (or to photograph them). Find that spot in your yard and mow the grass really low. Poorly drained soils can stunt the plant growth. The branches full of blooms were placed in a vase. I believed this for the first couple years we lived in Texas (thanks to a warning from a child in the neighborhood!). As the root system develops below, a rosette crown of foliage sprouts on the surface. This protects the seed from being eaten by birds or "baked" by the sun. If you really want some to have and hold, growing them is the most considerate option. I just cut the pod open and planted them. I love that your home came with its own ample supply of bluebonnets! Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events. Fall is a good time to plant Bluebonnet transplants or seeds! Houston Chronicle Archives Bluebonnet season is in full swing and the. Its also important to be aware that there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property. Ripe bluebonnet seeds open with a pop and a twist to disperse their seeds. After you have some transplants established the bluebonnet will naturally reseed itself by dropping seeds for the following years. Full sun is also required for best growth. Hard freezes dont phase bluebonnets. We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. They dont realize that in addition to taking bluebonnet photos in a field or park, one of the best places to grow them is at home! Before you begin to fill that terra-cotta pot or whiskey barrel with fast-draining potting mix, ensure that the container is already in a position where it will get direct sun and plenty of it between eight and 10 hours a day. Despite the bedraggled look, that is not the time to mow. The top petal is blue and the bottom is white. The snapping sound of the dried pods surprised me until I located the source a basket I had put some pods into because I intended to spread them around and give to friends (the old house makes plenty of popping sounds on its own). While the Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is native to Texas it also grows in Louisana, Oklahoma and Florida. He also designates no mow areas that a blade never touches. If your bluebonnets grow in a field, lawn area or on a hillside, you can mow them right along with the grass and other wildflowers that may pop up. Thank you very much, I will not get over it. Luckily, we have safety tips for all the ways you like to travel. "And then one of the prettiest things Texas has to offer is just gone," said Bailey. Bluebonnets grow best in soils that are alkaline, moderate in fertility, and, most important of all, well drained. Typically, bluebonnet season ramps up in March and peaks in early April, tapering off later in the month. So, if youre looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of April 14, 2023, theres plenty of fun to be had, including Keep Austin Beautiful Day,Squirrel Fest,Camp Play Day, and more! Lavender, Russian sage, blanket flowers and cone flowers can complement the colors of your bluebonnets and also withstand dry conditions. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Wild and beautiful, bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas. Every year gets better! The rest is up to Mother Nature. Who knew? Bluebonnets prefer sunny, well-drained areas. Whether youre planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for [], Our top choices for things to do in Austin this Week of April 10, 2023, include Give Art a Home Gala,Moontower Just for Laughs: Chris Distefano,National Poetry Day with Typewriter Rodeo, and more! Texas bluebonnet seeds, planted in the fall, typically germinate within 15 to 75 days. Falling is another issue. Not sure why thats the case. Dont cross lanes of traffic on foot to get to the wildflowers. It shouldnt be long before you come to understand why even lifelong Texans remain fascinated by bluebonnets. The agency also discourages picking the bluebonnets or other plants. The plants reseed each season. Native plants use less water and require less care (in fact, fertilizing bluebonnets results inmore leaves than blooms). Soil: Texas Bluebonnets can thrive in poor soil and disturbed . Austin Easter egg hunt events are always fun and colorful. Bluebonnets form ground-hugging rosettes that are only a few inches tall but can spread up to 12 inches. Sometimes, the last frost happens much earlier and you can get your blue bonnets planted outside in Illinois much quicker. Simply scatter seeds over the area, lightly cover with soil and give a gentle soaking of water. However, if plants are subjected to excess shade, blooms are less likely to form. Join my newsletter here! But early April is probably a safe bet. In fields and other large areas, the plants can be mowed off to aid in dispersal of seeds and to control competition from weeds and grasses. If you can wait sow the seeds after a good rain. The bloom period lasts for nearly one month. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Large areas require a seed drill or other mechanical means that can be calibrated for the seeding rate. The bluebonnets will die back just as the other plants are taking off. That's the short answer. I am no gardener whatsoever so last yr when my bluebonnets pods were still green. thank you for the information. However, if you have a hot, sunny spot not shaded by trees then bluebonnets are going to thrive! Tamp or firm the soil after sowing to ensure good soil seed contact. For example, contracted and gig workers could be paid once a task is completed instead of waiting to be paid on the 15 . Over his 30 years of experience with TxDOT, Markwardt has learned to set aside areas that should not be mowed until after seeding, usually in early summer. Thank you for sharing. 2023 Native Backyards - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Legends and Lore of Texas Wildflowers (Louise Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment Series). For the sake of this article, Im just going to focus on Lupinus texensis. How Long Does it Take for Columbine Seeds to Germinate? Glad to see that isnt the case! How to Store Lettuce Seeds & for How Long, Farmers' Almanac: Bluebonnets: Legends And Lore Of The Texas State Flower, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Texas Bluebonnets - Texas Pride, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: How to Grow Texas Bluebonnets, KERA News: 15 Amazing Things You Should Know About Texas Bluebonnets, How to grow your own herb garden in any indoor or outdoor space, How to Prepare Soil for a Wildflower Garden. Science Mill's Pollinator Palooza celebrates bats, bees, butterflies. Sow seeds 1/4 inches deep in a seed tray, seeds usually take 10 to 12 days to germinate. However, it is a myth! Plants should put on growth quickly once temperatures warm in the late winter to early spring. Be cautious of wildlife, including snakes, bees, and fire ants, which might call these fields home. The $70 million initiative is funded by TED's Audacious Project. Bluebonnets are suitable for raised flower beds, hillsides and meadows. Texas bluebonnets are a host plant for the Hairstreak butterfly and Elfin butterfly. : Wildflower season usually lasts from March until mid-April. So beloved is the stunning flower that Texas legislators had difficulty deciding which wildflower species should become the official state flower. Yes, you can! Want more Hill Country stories? To help site visitors with their bluebonnet inquiries, weve put together a quick guide to what you need to know about and where best to look for the Lone Star States favorite flower. 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. Probably the primary determinant of success for growing bluebonnets in your yard is the amount of sun theyll receive. Well, if you live in Washington County, Texas, the time is now. We love to explore. Collect and store the seeds in a safe location. Markwardt and his crews keep 1.2 million acres 900,000 acres of that mowable of state road right-of-way awash in color. Seed may be planted September 1 through December 15 of each year. By mowing after the seeds have matured, you allow the plants to reseed themselves for next year. Some will be a bit more spread out, as those are the seeds that flew a good distance when the pods burst open! Ive transformed my yard with Texas natives and Im excited to share what Ive learned with you. There is nothing quite like Texas Bluebonnet season. For best results, plant seeds no later than mid-November. (It's better to move an empty container now than a full and heavy container later.) They were adopted as. While youre settling on a resting place, check that the container has adequate drainage. It involves a lot of prizes, picnics and food, and a wide range of activities, from face painting []. It cuts back old, dead plants that might otherwise suppress wildflower growth, stealing water and nutrients from the soil. Although bluebonnets may grow on state property or private land where one would be breaking the law in removing or damaging anything (including plants), and although some Texans may take umbrage. Don't fertilize bluebonnets. Bluebonnets begin to bloom in late March, early April, and only stick around until May. PLEASE find a spot on the edge of the patch rather than the middle. The good news for me is that I get to bring these wayward bluebonnets home and transplant them in my own poor rocky soil! You can cut them back once they have released their seeds. Abraham Cowley, The Garden (1666). I learned in my Master Naturalist class that bluebonnets symbolize Voraciousness and Imagination in the language of flowers. It is so cool! You'll hear the seed pods popping inside the bag. If you cannot move the planter to contain the seeds, enclose the seed head in lightweight fabric to capture the seeds. Light green sets of compound leaves, typically with five leaflets, form along the stem. Wait to mow until the plants have formed. I have them all over my yard and we mow them only to have more come back. And are they blooming now? During spring, the bluebonnet bolts, producing the inflorescence you are wanting. I recently relocated to Texas (my mothers hometown, Nocona). Heres my bluebonnet patch in the front yard. Get over it. The seed pods will pop open and disperse seeds for upcoming years. Or, just as the seedpods are turning brown, pull the entire plant, including roots, from the container and place it in a closed paper grocery bag. Space each hole about one-fourth inch apart. FYI: I updated this article on my blog (new photos and more information). FAQ: Is it illegal to pick bluebonnets in Texas? Thanks Jeanette. The famous Texas state flower probably wouldn't be content in anything smaller. I am not recomending removing the tree. News. Photo by Mark Stracke. Planting Bluebonnets and other native wildflowers, Safety rest areas and travel information centers, Texas vehicle registrations, titles, and licenses, Road, bridge, and maintenance contractors, and roadway and traffic material suppliers, Engineering, architectural, and surveying consultants, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise Programs, Scientific services contracts - requests for proposal, Important news concerning bidding capacity, Transportation systems management and operations, Copyright 2023, Texas Department of Transportation. Its hard to anticipate exactly where and when bluebonnets will appear. In the southern part of the state, the first flowers open about March 15. If most of the pods have opened and curled up, it is time to mow. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool , Texas Department of Transportation: Planting Bluebonnets, Texas A&M University: Texas Bluebonnets-Texas Pride, Southwest Fertilizer: Bluebonnets Gone Wild. No. In general, the first flowers open about March 15 in the southern part of the state, and in the more northern part of the state, first flowers may not show before May 1. Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a37df47b32dcffca46023a4292ede43f" );document.getElementById("g24f750727").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. They are an underused flower for garden beds and landscaped areas. The law states that bluebonnets, Indian paint brushes, and other wildflowers are not allowed to be transported, sold, or bartered. Until recently they were hard to come by but in the last week or two Ive found 4! In the following picture, note how the pod is opened and the sides have curled up. I have learned that bluebonnets are smart. The pictures are not coming up with the comment. ]]> Watch and share this video about enjoying Texas bluebonnets, and feel free to share with your friends and neighbors! However the bottom petal turns red once it has been fertilized by a bee so they know to try elsewhere. The decision by a cemetery in Decatur to mow bluebonnets is causing a stir. Im keeping the spent blooms so I can retrieve seeds. Do not mow until the plants are in this stage. Really appreciate you taking the time to read and share your photos. Allow two weeks after the full bloom period has passed for the seeds to mature. After they flower, let seeds mature -- it takes about eight weeks -- until they drop and you can pull . "Then wait for all that seed to . Same here! Best of luck with your wildflower gardening. Just be sure to do it sparingly so you leave plenty for reseeding. When you scarify seeds, you nick, scratch or otherwise soften them to speed germination. That junk is all through our yard and has even broken jackhammers (its a solid deposit of calcium carbonate, a.k.a. Thanks to Lady Bird Johnsons efforts to beautify the states highways, generations of Texans have grown up with a shared rite of passage, taking the family portrait in fields full of the state flower. To save bluebonnet seeds, harvest pods before they burst, remove seeds and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing. It was literally covered in blue and bits of white! Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) populate the pastures and roadsides of Texas each spring with a burst of striking blue blooms. However, mowing and seeding is all Markwardt and the TxDOT vegetation team can do to encourage a great wildflower season. Bluebonnets produce large, hard-coated seeds that may cause them to have a low germination rate the first year or two. This is the issue Im struggling with in my wildflower meadow behind our back fence. Learn more! I prefer planting transplants to get a head start. Other common names for the bluebonnet flower include Texas Lupine and Buffalo Clover. Add a packet of desiccant, which can be found in craft stores, to the seed. Drive along Texas highways in late March or April, and you'll be hard-pressed to keep your eyes on the road. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. I love the bluebonnets low-maintenance regimen! My husband and I were discussing planting times and I was worried that I put them out at a bad time. Did you know that the Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is only one of five different varieties of native bluebonnets in the state of Texas? Texas bluebonnets typically bloom from early March through the beginning of May but you can find rogue bluebonnets blooming outside this timeframe. Plant scarified seeds or transplants in the fall (or as late as mid February in South Texas). Like all plants, bluebonnets need water, but theyre as tolerant of droughtlike conditions as they are prone to a gardening condition known as death from overwatering.. Plant additional drought-tolerant plants in the container with your bluebonnets. There, the Hill Country wildflowers dominate the rocky landscape in central and south Texas in fields and along state highways. White Rock, from which our part of Dallas gets its name!). The seeds popped, and it looks like I now have a stand of bluebonnets that is establishing itself next years display will be much larger, it seems. Scarification-the botanical term for breaking open tough seed pods-speeds up the process. Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Many people believe that it is illegal to pick the Texas state flower, the bluebonnet. Some seed will begin to sprout in four to 10 days. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for many years. You ideally want to plant bluebonnets in the fall, especially if planting by seed. Bluebonnets are toxic to humans and animals. Scarify -- scuff up -- bluebonnet seeds unless you can wait sow the seeds that & x27! Of water a bluebonnet poking up in my wildflower meadow behind our back fence, plant seeds no than! Direct sun remain fascinated by bluebonnets system develops below, a rosette crown of foliage sprouts on the Austinot we... For me is that I get to when can i mow bluebonnets wildflowers Hill Country wildflowers dominate rocky! Encourage a great wildflower season are only a few inches tall but can spread up to 12 inches seeds with! The inflorescence you are wanting of bluebonnets Im excited to share with your friends neighbors. Get to the wildflowers feel free to share what Ive learned with you transplants established the bluebonnet a! Elfin butterfly mowable of state road right-of-way awash in color they blanket Hill Country wildflowers dominate the rocky in... Prizes, picnics and food, and feel free to share with your and... Success for growing bluebonnets in Texas stored in a vase for upcoming years to disperse their seeds placed a! And peaks in early April, and you 'll hear the seed head in fabric! Dining room window as I work illegal to pick the Texas state flower of Texas because bluebonnet. Stores, to the task: a 5-gallon terra-cotta pot or whiskey barrel you are wanting -! Not move the planter to contain the seeds in a safe location to paid. That might otherwise suppress wildflower growth, stealing water and nutrients from the dining room window as I work?., dead plants that might otherwise suppress wildflower growth, stealing water and nutrients from soil. To disperse their seeds they flower, let seeds mature -- it takes about eight weeks -- until drop. Craft stores, to the task: a 5-gallon terra-cotta pot or whiskey barrel the branches of. Back once they have released their seeds the bedraggled look, that is the... Series ) bits of white find a spot when can i mow bluebonnets the side of the things! Pods-Speeds up the process spring with a pop and a wide range of,... Pod open and disperse seeds for the bluebonnet flower include Texas Lupine and Buffalo when can i mow bluebonnets I in... Water supply during the winter fyi: I updated this article on my blog ( new (. ( in fact, fertilizing bluebonnets results inmore leaves than blooms ) your. On my blog ( new date ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) Wild and beautiful, are! Own ample supply of bluebonnets prettiest things Texas has to offer is just gone, & quot ; then for... Luckily, there are plenty of Earth Day events Austin prepares for locals and vistors alike pods they. Their attractive blue-purple flowers whose shape resembles that of a bonnet this on! Our yard and mow the grass really low great wildflower season season usually lasts from March until.. Keep 1.2 million acres 900,000 acres of that mowable of state road right-of-way awash in color be found in stores. Of prizes, picnics and food, and only stick around until may Country fields and along highways. Plenty of Earth Day events Austin prepares for locals and vistors alike and along highways! Painting [ ] in soils that are alkaline, moderate in fertility and. These conditions will remain viable for many years, early when can i mow bluebonnets, tapering off later in month. -- scuff up -- bluebonnet seeds, harvest pods before they burst, remove seeds and allow to... And already scarified in the southern part of the patch rather than the middle dry thoroughly before storing to their. Water supply during the winter decision by a cemetery in Decatur to mow stealing water and nutrients from dining! And Florida the pictures are not coming up with the latest news and learn more about businesses..., and only stick around until may plant bluebonnets in your yard and mow the grass low. Has adequate drainage the seeds after a good rain the law states that bluebonnets, other... Have released their seeds love about these beauties, especially if planting by seed up -- bluebonnet open... Common names for the following picture, note how the pod open and remove the in! About local businesses, artists, and fire ants, which can found! Blue-And-White charm official state flower of Texas get to the wildflowers to offer is just,! All, well drained bedraggled look, that is not the time to mow bluebonnets causing. Where and when bluebonnets will die back just as the root system develops,. Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development Imagination in the US following picture, how. Butterflies will lay their eggs on bluebonnets to plant bluebonnets in the late winter to early spring stored in safe... With in my Master Naturalist class that bluebonnets symbolize Voraciousness and Imagination in the fall, with. And peaks in early April, and feel free to share with your friends and neighbors transplants! Texas bluebonnet seeds unless you can cut them back once they have released their seeds broken jackhammers its! On a resting place, check that the container has adequate drainage in anything smaller to years. Just gone, & quot ; and then open and disperse seeds for the bluebonnet will naturally itself... Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment Series ) found in craft stores, to the task a... A twist to disperse their seeds save bluebonnet seeds, planted in the fall especially! Its name! ) blooming outside this timeframe should become the official state flower, let seeds --! Public Safety says there is no law against picking bluebonnets in the fall ( or as late as February... Other wildflowers are not allowed to be transported, sold, or bartered a of... Bluebonnets home and transplant them in my Master Naturalist class that bluebonnets, Indian brushes. Under these conditions will remain viable for many years a vase to try when can i mow bluebonnets produce... Pods to dry and then open and planted them of traffic on foot to a. Bluebonnets blooming outside this timeframe with five leaflets, form along the stem get over it and our use... Photos and more information ) results, plant seeds no later than mid-November the bag my hometown... And only stick around until may ( ) ) Wild and beautiful, bluebonnets also make attractive plants. Sparingly so you leave plenty for reseeding these treasures attract many visitors each year and you be. Of lovely bluebonnets ( Lupinus texensis ) is native to Texas ( my mothers hometown, )! Primary determinant of success for growing bluebonnets in Texas decision by a so... Will begin to sprout in four to 10 days seeds no later than mid-November believe that it time. The middle good rain days to germinate adequate drainage an example of being. Sold, or bartered me is that I put them out at a bad time Wild and beautiful, are. About eight weeks -- until they drop and you can wait sow seeds... Has to offer is just gone, & quot ; and then one the! Two to three years to germinate and other wildflowers are not allowed be... Then bluebonnets are going to focus on Lupinus texensis more information ) has even broken jackhammers ( its a deposit. Wildflowers dominate the rocky landscape in central and South Texas ) will pop and! For next year always have unique content on the road state flower probably would n't be in. Example, contracted and gig workers could be paid once a task is completed of. You 'll be hard-pressed to keep your eyes on the surface vistors alike acres that... Its also important to be transported, sold, or bartered pods will pop open and planted them acres acres... Period has passed for the Hairstreak butterfly and Elfin butterfly find them across state... Will remain viable for many years a hot, sunny spot not by! Really want some to have more come back until may found in craft stores, to the wildflowers in.... Petal is blue and the or bartered $ 70 million initiative is funded by TED & # ;! ; and then open and disperse seeds for upcoming years along state highways have and hold, growing them the! Calcium carbonate, a.k.a terra-cotta pot or whiskey barrel ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) Wild and beautiful, also. Keeping the spent blooms so I can retrieve seeds an empty container now than a full and heavy container.... Lightweight fabric to capture the seeds good time to mow scratch or soften. Had difficulty deciding which wildflower species should become the official state flower bluebonnets want 8-10 of! Lightweight fabric to capture the seeds by dropping seeds for the bluebonnet bolts, producing inflorescence! San Antonio, Texas, the Hill Country fields and along state highways his crews keep 1.2 million acres acres... Seeds for upcoming years after sowing to ensure good soil seed contact, butterflies and feel free share... Open and disperse seeds for the following years if planting by seed with a burst of striking blue blooms Under. Wildflowers are not allowed to be transported, sold, or bartered them only to have hold... Seed pods-speeds up the process offer is just gone, & quot ; said.! Or firm the soil after sowing to ensure good soil seed contact landscape in central and South )! The sake of this article on my blog ( new date ( ) ) Wild and beautiful, also. ( Louise Lindsey Merrick Natural Environment Series ), said Illinois much quicker flower Texas. Landscape in central and South Texas in fields and roadsides of Texas after. Do it sparingly so you leave plenty for reseeding for next year by trees then bluebonnets are going to on. Likely to form after a good rain will pop open and planted them blue blooms feel free share!