Native Plants
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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.
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Wednesday - April 12, 2006
From: Decatur, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Planting time, either by acorn or container grown tree, of Shumard red oak
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
Hello, I have a question on when is the best time to plant shumard red oak. I live in Zone 7. thank youANSWER:
If you're starting at square one and planting an acorn, put it in the ground during acorn season in the fall, as soon as possible after collection. It will begin to send down roots pretty quickly. Top growth will occur in the spring if the winter is normally cold, as shoot growth depends on exposure to cold.If you're planting a container-grown tree, the best time for all woody plants is during the dormant season, usually from late November to January in much of Texas. This allows the roots time to become established before energy is devoted to top growth in the spring.
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