Where do you find bluebonnet seeds?

As I was pulling nutgrass out  the other day, I noticed a new little bluebonnet plant.  That reminded me that this is the time of the year to get my bluebonnet seed planted.  If you want to know how to grow bluebonnets, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has some good info.    Here in Harlingen, I could always find bulk seed at Grimell's - but this year they had none and suggested I order from Wildseed Farms out of Fredericksburg.  (1/4 lb is $7.45 and contains about 450 seeds).    The perfect temps for germination is 55-70 degrees and that will be our temp range soon. 

I stopped by  Stuart Place Nursery and picked up some 6-packs.    If you haven't been there since they re-opened, it's worth your visit.   The staff is both knowledgable and helpful and the plants look terrific!

If anyone knows nurseries in the Rio Grande Valley that have bluebonnet seed in stock, please "comment" and let us know.    Here's hoping our drought is over and we have lots of beautiful Texas wildflowers next spring! 

Think Spring

Although this Texas Bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis, may scream springtime, it's time to start thinking wildflowers! If you want to grow Bluebonnets from seed, they need to be in the ground in October or November. I like to scarify my seed first! Line a coffee can with rough sandpaper and put your seed into it. I leave my can in the kitchen and every time I pass it, it gets a few shakes. After a week of shaking, they're ready to go in the ground.

Texas Wildflowers

The bluebonnet, Lupinus texensis, is the state flower of Texas. The individual flower shape is similar to a woman's bonnet - thus the name. This cultivar is native only to Texas where you can enjoy its blooms in March and early April . Bluebonnets like well drained, light soil - so you can see why I'm so excited to have such a lovely volunteer in my heavy clay yard. I spread a few seed in one bed but very few germinated. Guess I'll have to head to Central Texas to really enjoy them! Click here for more info about bluebonnets and where they're blooming. You also may want to check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center website. It's has great info on all kinds of wildflowers and other native plants.