When do bluebonnets go to seed

You can even hear the pops if you are nearby. Watch the short video below and turn the sound up. Some weathered seeds from that generation will then germinate in the fall, forming a rosette of star-shaped leaflets.

These young plants then establish a root system and overwinter. Notice I said "some. In a state that experiences its share of drought, they have adapted. As temperatures warm in late February and early March, they then produce their iconic blue and white flowers, and the cycle starts again.

But for home gardeners who plant seeds now, out of excitement, the cycle of the young plant is destined to be interrupted by hot summer temperatures. Those plants will likely fizzle out, never producing blooms. Timing is not the only challenge facing would-be wildflower horticulturists, I'm afraid. But I still encourage you to give it a shot this coming fall. For the best chances of a bluebonnet meadow you can be proud of, follow these tips:.

Find a spot that receives at least eight hours of sunlight. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. There are few people who could fail to be touched by the remarkable beauty and exuberance of a field of Texas bluebonnets in early spring.

Seeds are sown in fall, develop strong roots over the winter and send up flower spikes of blue-violet topped with white in early spring. Bluebonnets are a lupine, and as such, have attractive foliage with smooth, palmate leaves.

Taking time to understand the needs of Texas bluebonnet will make the process easier and much more successful for the home gardener. Seeds are best planted in the fall late August — September in hotter climates in well-draining sandy soil with full sun exposure. They will germinate and overwinter as low-growing rosettes leaf spirals and bloom in early spring.

Light: Bluebonnet needs a sunny position to do well. Soil: Texas bluebonnet is a survivor; however, it needs well-drained soil — preferably on the sandier side — to thrive. Seeds can germinate in a heavy clay soil, but will eventually peter out due to an excess of moisture. If planting in containers, an average potting soil can be used, but good drainage is essential.

Spacing: If broadcasting seeds, rake and roughen area well and plant at a rate of approx. If planting individually, plant seeds together with ten inches between the next planting, thinning to one strong plant after true leaves develop. Planting: Bluebonnet is an annual plant which germinates, grows, flowers and sets seed over the course of one year.

If conditions are favorable in your garden for the plant to set seed and re-seed itself, you can be assured of a carpet of bloom for years to come. Planting Times: This is a fall-planted seed for spring flowering. Transplants should also be planted in the late fall.

Some were dry and the seeds had popped out but most were still not ready. I just cut the pod open and planted them. Same here! I had a small stand of bonnets, just big enough to add a sweet splash of color in that otherwise barren corner. It was literally covered in blue and bits of white! I had straggling blooms as late as late July! Then they went to seed. Some will be a bit more spread out, as those are the seeds that flew a good distance when the pods burst open!

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! I added a few prepared seeds to the new section just to give it a head start and add to the ones that nature planted for me.

Got it… this was JUST as the display was starting to bloom! My little bluebonnets have been growing like crazy. We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! Notify of. Oldest Newest Most Voted.

Inline Feedbacks. Blooms should begin to appear in early spring, depending on the weather, and, with a good-quality seed variety, may continue into summer. Most Popular. More from MRT.