Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - April 26, 2006

From: Vidor, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Viability and storage of bluebonnet seeds past "use by" date
Answered by: Dean Garrett

QUESTION:

I have several packets of Bluebonnet seeds and wildflower seeds which have "packed for 2006 use by 3/07". My questions: 1) will these seeds be good for the 2007 growing season?; 2) how should I store these seeds until time to plant them?

ANSWER:

Wildflower seeds should generally be planted within a year of collection. Since we don't know when your seeds were collected, all we can do is go by the "use by" date and hope for the best.

A constant temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and no more than 50% humidity are recommended for storing wildflower seeds. Fluctuating temperature and humidity can reduce seed viability and/or cause them to sprout prematurely. Darkness is also important. The best place to get these three factors is to use your refrigerator. More info can be found in our Native Plant Library in the PDF file "Guidelines for Seed Collecting."
 

More Wildflowers Questions

Planting bluebonnets on UT Campus in Austin
January 07, 2012 - Hello! I am with a student organization on the University of Texas campus. Walking around campus, I have noticed the lack of the state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet. Our organization is hoping ...
view the full question and answer

Solution to preserve cut wildflowers from Sugarland TX
April 23, 2012 - What is the best solution to preserve cut wildflowers in? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Project involving wildflower seeds for Earth Day
March 01, 2009 - Hello, I am trying to find a relatively quick and easy project involving wildflower seeds for an Earth Day Celebration. We have roughly 1,000 kids come through. In the past I have done wildflower se...
view the full question and answer

Growing Mountain Laurel in Georgia
May 28, 2011 - While in Texas a few months ago I saw your beautiful Sophora Secundiflora blooming and decided to bring one home to Gainesville, GA and try my luck. I have not planted it yet and it is doing well in ...
view the full question and answer

Transplanting bluebonnets in late Fall from Georgetown TX
November 08, 2013 - Transplanting bluebonnets in October? Neighbor wants to share abundance of rosettes and good size plants- any suggestions or warnings? Will freeze/frost protection be needed if we get December freeze...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.