![]() ![]() Mulching: In nature, soil erosion and foliage that dies back is all the mulch Bluebonnets need to germinate. Most toxicity is present in seeds, and if planting with children, care must be taken to ensure little hands do not put them in their mouths.įertilizing: No extra fertilizer is necessary, but Bluebonnet will not be harmed if you apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring, which may result in bigger plants. Note: Bluebonnets are not edible, and can be toxic depending on season and species. Too much water can result in damping-off disease which will kill the seedling.Pillbugs (also known as roly-polys or sow bugs) are the main insect predator for Bluebonnet seeds and seedlings.Birds can be an issue with seeds that have been broadcast without sufficient soil to hide them.Bluebonnets are at their most vulnerable as seeds and tiny seedlings.If you plan to mow your meadow, do not mow until after seed pods are set. Be sure to make strong soil/seed contact.ĭeadheading/Trimming, or Pruning: Deadheading blooms can encourage side blooms to develop off the main flower stalk this would be more practical in a container or small raised bed than in a meadow setting. Large Spaces and Meadows: Plant shallowly (1/8 inch deep) and tamp the soil down firmly by walking over it (either directly or with a board in between your feet and the earth) or by using a seed roller. Small Spaces and Garden Beds: Plant shallowly (1/8 inch deep) and tamp down soil to make strong soil/seed contact. See our guide here: How To Scarify Seeds For Spring Planting. For smaller plantings, you can scarify seeds, meaning scratching or breaking the surface of the seed and soaking them to break down the coating.See our guide here: How To Cold Stratify Seeds For Spring Planting. This requires about 4-5 weeks of damp seed storage in the refrigerator. If you're planning ahead, or planting a large amount of seeds, use the cold stratification method.If you are planting in spring, you will need to cold stratify or scarify seeds to break down the tough outer coating before planting. If you plant in fall, the seeds can follow the natural pace of the seasons, with cold and moist winter conditions breaking down the seed so it can germinate. Many wildflowers-including Texas Bluebonnets-have clever mechanisms in place that help protect them from germinating too early in the spring or too late in the summer. There are a few tricks to ensure good germination when planting Texas Bluebonnet seeds. ![]() See Germination Tips below! Tips For Germinating Texas Bluebonnet Seeds Planting in spring will require cold stratification or scarification to break down the tough outer shell. If you're growing Texas Bluebonnets in a cooler climate with a winter freeze that would kill tender Bluebonnet seedlings, then it's best to plant seeds in the spring. Early October gives them the most time to establish roots before winter. Seeds are best planted in October or November. Transplants should also be planted in the late fall. Cooler weather and exposure to a few months of precipitation will help to naturally break down the outer casing of the seed. Planting Times: Texas Bluebonnet's hard seed coat makes it a great candidate for fall planting. If planting individually, plant 2-3 seeds together with ten inches between the next planting, thinning to one strong plant after true leaves develop. Plant 1 pound per 700 square feet (see coverage rate chart under "Plant Information" for Texas Bluebonnets). Spacing: If broadcasting seeds, clear the soil and roughen the area well. As with all wildflowers, seeds need good contact with the soil for best results with germination. Prepare your area before planting - Texas Bluebonnets do not like competition or being crowded by other plants. If planting in containers, good drainage is essential. Soil: Texas Bluebonnets can thrive in poor soil and disturbed soil. South or west-facing exposures offer the most sunlight. Light: Bluebonnets need a sunny position to do well. It can take some time to establish a large stand of Texas Bluebonnets, as the seeds can be finicky with their specific requirements. If conditions are favorable in your garden, the plants will set seed and reproduce. It germinates, grows, flowers, and sets seed over the course of one year.
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