Tips on How to Manage Their Healthy Growth



These seeds look like little rocks. Why are they so hard?

Mother Nature made them that way. In nature, when the plant goes to seed, that seed must be protected from the climatic elements since they are dropped in areas untended by man (i.e. in protected, irrigated areas). The seeds are also “timed” to germinate at different intervals. For example, let’s assume that the seeds are on the ground and there is one rainfall. Some of the seeds will germinate (sprout) immediately.

But suppose it doesn’t rain again for a long while, as is often the case here in Texas? Those tiny sprouts will probably die. However, since Mother Nature has protected her seeds with a hard seed coat and an inner “time clock” for germination, she still has plenty of ungerminated seed on the ground, thus assuring Bluebonnets in the Spring, when there is sufficient moisture.

Since this seed is so hard, would it help if I scratch or cut the seed coat before I plant it?

We don’t recommend this procedure, Mother Nature doesn’t cut(scarify) the seed coat because it lessens the seed’s protection from the elements.

Research has shown that injury in some seed can be expected even while using laboratory scarification equipment because of the seed size variations. Even though some weed will germinate faster, there also exists a risk of fungal infestation and deterioration which will reduce the viability of the seed.

What about soaking the seed before panting?

We don’t recommend soaking the seed. Soaking the seed begins the germination process. The duration of soaking seed is critical and handling the soft coated seed could cause damage.

When should I plant the seeds?

Generally speaking, Bluebonnets can be planted from September first through December fifteenth. Here in Texas, with our unpredictable rainfall, seed can be started in a seed bed(with irrigation) in September. If you are planting in an area where you will not be able to water the seed, then it is best to wait until October when rainfall is a little more plentiful and there is less evaporation. Your Bluebonnet seed can be stored in the produce section of the refrigerator until the proper planting date.

Where is the best place to plant Bluebonnets?

Bluebonnets thrive in areas with plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and prefer a well drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil. That is why you will see them growing on slopes, but rarely in the bottom of a ditch. Most home owners in Southeast Texas will have better results planting Bluebonnets in raised flower beds due to the improved drainage. Most lawns drain too slowly and the sub-soil stays too moist, even if water does not actually stand. You will be amazed with the results if you simple work the seed in bark mulch beds, about one-half inch deep, with your fingers. Be sure to plant in areas that will not be mowed until after the bluebonnets go to seed, if you want a crop next year.

How is the best way to plant Bluebonnets?

If you are planting in a cultivated seed bed, you can broadcast or row plant the seed, although it is best to cover the seed with a little soil no more than one-fourth inch deep. If the seed is left on top of the bare ground and watered, the sun will “cook” them or the birds will have a feast. If you are seeding an area that is already covered with vegetation(such as a grassy area), Broadcast the seed over the area, then press the seed into the soil by walking over it. there must be soil/seed contact for germination to begin! We have noticed that some people over seed with Ryegrass in the winter in order to have a green lawn year-around. Do not plant your Bluebonnets with Ryegrass or other cool season grasses, as it is too competitive and you will not have good results with your Bluebonnets in the Spring.

How soon will the seeds sprout?

You will probably see your seed begin to sprout in six to ten days. This germination process can continue over the next eighteen months, and some seed will not sprout until the next year. Some beds can have plants in all stages of development… from the two-leafed little bean plant to plants that are three inches tall. This varying germination process is another way Mother Nature has of guaranteeing future stands of Bluebonnets.

Shall I fertilize?

Fertilizing will produce more leaves but not more blooms, because Bluebonnets are a member of the bean(also known as nitrogen fixing legumes). The little knots you will see on the roots are actually nodes of nitrogen, which, by the way, are excellent for the soil. Due to this nitrogen content, it is best not to fertilize.

If I plant the seed in the Fall, what happens until they bloom in the Spring
The seeds will begin to germinate(sprout) in six to ten days(if adequate moisture is provided). The seedlings look like a bean plant with two little fat leaves, no larger than a dime. The first real leaves will have three fingers. Later on the leaves will have five segments and resemble a star.

The seedlings will grow into rosettes(little individual clumps) and may not be more than an inch or two high, but may be seven inches across. They will stay at this stage, and green throughout the winter. The growing process will begin again when the ground warms in the Spring, and continue until they bloom in April.

The blooms will continue through most of May, when they begin to take on purplish color, which indicates they are turning to seed. You will notice seed pods(they look like pea pods) forming on the stem. These pods will mature and open to allow the seed inside to drop to the ground. This completed cycle ensures a beautiful stand of Texas Bluebonnets the following year. Remember not to mow until the seeds have dropped.

Why have I not had success in planting Bluebonnets in the past?
 Aside from some of the points discussed earlier, other reasons for low success rate ate as follows:

• Low seed quality.
• Time of planting.
• Not planting in well drained areas.
• Need to store in a cool, dry environment.
• Seed damaged by improper handling.
• Not planting enough seed for the designated area.
• Distinguishing the Bluebonnet seedling from unwanted seeds.
• Patience

If I sent Bluebonnet seed as a gift to someone outside the sate of Texas, would they grow?
Yes and No. The Texas Bluebonnet(Lupinus Texensis) is indigenous to the Southwest. Bluebonnet seed are shipped throughout the U.S. and in many foreign countries. Surprisingly many success stories have been reported from people throughout the world. However, growth patterns might be altered due to various soil types and climatic conditions.

Photo: University of Texas School of Biological Sciences