Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - September 19, 2015
From: Argyle, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seeds and Seeding, Wildflowers
Title: Seedball Germination in Dallas
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I read your answer to the question posed about wildflower seed balls not germinating along a bike trail in Dallas. My garden club is also wanting to purchase seeds to create and scatter seed balls. I couldn't tell from your answer to the previous group, when is the best time to scatter wildflower seed balls in the Dallas area?ANSWER:
I assume you are referring to this question/answer: Seedball Germination in Dallas, TX
To be real explicit, the best time to scatter seeds of any kind is the same time as the wildflowers distribute them. This is generally always late Spring to Summer, but pretty much anytime up to winter ought to do.
That said – I was a bit less than direct because successful germination depends on much more than simply when the seeds are distributed. Germination will be the best with good loose soil, a nice wet winter into spring, maybe with a freeze, and then a good sunny warm spring. If we don’t get this, then germination will be lower, but the seeds will still be there, waiting for “next year” as it were!
From the Image Gallery
More Wildflowers Questions
Bluebonnet prospects for 2009 in Central Texas
January 31, 2009 - How does the bluebonnet season look for 2009 in Central Texas (Austin). Will it be a good year and when will it start and when will it peak?
Thanks for all you do!!!
view the full question and answer
Native wildflowers for Tennessee
December 24, 2010 - Can you suggest some native wildflowers for west Tennessee and a source for seeds?
view the full question and answer
Native Texas Plants for a Terrarium
October 08, 2014 - I have a 55-gallon aquarium that I would like to make into a terrarium. Are there any Texas native plants that would do well in the limited artificial light of the tank? The plants should be of varyin...
view the full question and answer
Pollinators for Washington State
June 26, 2015 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am removing invasive knotweed in the Pacific Northwest and I would like to provide native plant alternatives that would flower and provide pollen in the late summer/fall f...
view the full question and answer
When is best time to plant seeds of Texas Nightshade in San Antonio, TX?
September 20, 2014 - I need to know the time to plant seeds of Texas Nightshade. Can I plant them now ( August ), or wait till fall or spring?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |