Growing Blue Bonnets - When To Plant Blue Bonnets In The Garden

Plant the seeds in October and November (early October is best). Texas bluebonnets are annual plants, meaning they go from seed to flower to seed in one year. They germinate in the fall and grow throughout the winter, and usually bloom around the end of March to the mid-May.

When should I plant bluebonnets?

Bluebonnets grow best in soils that are alkaline, moderate in fertility, and most important of all, well drained. Full sun is also required for best growth. Seed may be planted September 1 through December 15; however, for best results, plant seeds no later than mid-November.

Is it too late to plant bluebonnets?

The ideal time to sow scarified bluebonnet seed is late September through the month of October. Hopefully we have significant rainfall during that time frame, both for the germination of the seed and establishment of the plants throughout winter. Otherwise, supplement irrigation may be needed.

How do you plant a bluebonnet field?

The first requirement for bluebonnets is a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight. Next you need well drained soil which may mean building a raised bed (6 inches or more) and adding 3 or 3 inches of organic matter. Use scarified (chemically treated) seeds to insure success. Only 20% of non-scarified seeds germinate.

How deep do you plant bluebonnet seeds?

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. Be sure to make strong soil/seed contact. Light: Bluebonnet needs a sunny position to do well. 8-10 hours of full sun is recommended.

Do bluebonnets reseed themselves?

It may take several years to establish a good stand of bluebonnets and they do require some particular conditions to thrive. But once they are going, your bluebonnets should reseed and reappear each spring.

Do bluebonnets spread?

The plants reseed each season. The tan, fuzzy pods turn brown, fall off and seeds pop out to spread. To encourage more bluebonnets in a field, it's important to wait until at least half the pods have turned tan before mowing. Big fields have a continuous cycle of germinating seeds from many years.

How often do you water bluebonnets?

As they begin to germinate, water only during periods when it has not rained or the top couple of inches of soil are dry. * Once they are established, bluebonnets are very drought tolerant and do not like excess moisture. Don't overwater: One inch of water per week is more than enough.

Can you mow bluebonnets in your yard?

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. Wait to mow until the plants have formed mature seedpods. By mowing after the seeds have matured, you allow the plants to reseed themselves for next year.

Do deer eat bluebonnets?

Cattle and horses avoid eating bluebonnets almost completely. Deer will eat them in times of environmental stress when they are one of the few options left to eat. ... A few insects also eat the plant.

Is it illegal to cut bluebonnets?

But according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Department of Public Safety, there is actually no specific law that prohibits picking bluebonnets. With that said, picking bluebonnets on private property is illegal due to trespassing laws.

Are Texas bluebonnets poisonous?

Believe it or not, the bluebonnet is actually toxic if ingested. Leaves and seeds from the entire Lupinus plant family are poisonous, although actual toxicity is determined by a number of different biological and environmental factors (see 'Benefit'). Even animals steer clear of bluebonnets when they get the munchies.

Are bluebonnets weeds?

ANSWER: The short answer to that is "no." To us, a weed is a plant that is not where it belongs. Bluebonnets and other native plants are growing now pretty much where they have always grown, because they CAN grow there.

Can you plant bluebonnets in the spring?

While bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) thrive in the warm climate of Texas, they can also grow in other areas with the appropriate conditions and self-seed in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Start your seeds in the early spring for summer blooms or late fall for early spring blooms.

Do rattlesnakes like bluebonnets?

So, even though the Bluebonnet fields are a prime picture taking location this time of year, it's also a prime place for creatures like rattlesnakes to hide in and get out of the sun.

How do you get seeds from bluebonnets?

Hang Plants, Collect Seed

After pulling up the bluebonnet plants, hang them, with the seed pods facing downward, to dry in a well-ventilated room. Spread newspaper below the plants to collect the seeds, or better yet, place an open cardboard box under the plants.

Why do bluebonnets turn white?

“The rare, albino white bluebonnets are an anomaly created by Mother Nature and are the result of a mutation in one of the genes responsible for producing the blue pigment. If pollinated from nearby blues, they will most likely produce blue blooms next year.

Is it illegal to grow bluebonnets in Texas?

There is actually no law that prohibits picking bluebonnets in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. ... Also, it's important to be courteous and take care of the flowers so that all Texans can enjoy them.

How tall do Bluebonnets grow?

It is the only perennial species in the state and grows to about two feet tall. It normally blooms in mid to late spring and is also known as the dune bluebonnet, the plains bluebonnet and the Nebraska Lupine.

Are bluebonnets poisonous to dogs?

The bluebonnet is a common flower native to the Rocky Mountain range and westward. When ingested by dogs, it is toxic.

Do bluebonnets smell?

The scent of these blossoms has been diversely described; many people say they give off no scent at all, while a few have described the scent as 'sickly sweet'. Bluebonnet seeds have a hard outer shell to protect from dry conditions as the plant grows better in moist years.

How long do bluebonnets last?

Generally, the fields bloom for about six weeks, roughly from late February or March through mid- or late April. The start of the season depends on many factors such as winter weather or soil quality and might differ depending on the area. Mild winters result in early bluebonnet season.