Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_43.gif)
Monday - November 23, 2009
From: Cedar Creek, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: What happens to wildflower seeds planted before a heavy rain in Cedar Creek TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I planted tx wildflower seeds yesterday--November 19th. It has rained all day with water standing in the places that I planted. Do you think that they will take? Am I going to have to plant more seeds? I sure hope not!ANSWER:
Well, let's think this through. Generally, we recommend that wildflower seeds be planted at about the time the plants would be dropping their seeds in the ordinary chain of events. That usually is earlier than this, maybe mid-October. But who would think we would ever get the kind of rain we have been getting in Central Texas the last couple weeks? Or the kind of heat and drought we have had the last couple years? So, we're thinking that any seeds on the ground when that rain hit would be happy seeds, able to sprout right away instead of having to lie low for maybe years until it rained again. If you raked your seeds in as is instructed on seed packets, they may not have even moved. If they were just lying on the ground, they might have washed a little way off from where you intended they come up, but when they start seeding themselves, they are going to go where they wish and where they find optimum conditions anyway. Because of finally getting some Fall rains, we are expecting a nice crop of wildflowers in the Spring. Texas wildflower seeds are generally prepared to wait for better days and come up when the conditions are good. We think a lot of your seeds will germinate and you will begin to see the baby plants by the end of the year, while the rest wait and come up another year, along with the seeds from the ones you just planted. If you are a belt and suspenders person, you can always plant some more seeds, but we don't think it's going to be necessary in order for you to have a stand of beautiful Texas wildflowers.
More Wildflowers Questions
Will wildflowers still be blooming end of March from Austin
November 20, 2009 - Hi Mr Smarty Pants - A wildflower enthusiast from Rome Italy wants to schedule a special visit to Austin end March early April 2010. Can she be sure wildflowers will still be blooming then?
view the full question and answer
Culture of Indian paintbrush
December 16, 2007 - I have never tried to plant the Indian Paintbrush flower before, and I'm not sure what the culture is besides what's on the LBJ Wildflower center website. Are there any tricks for getting a good sh...
view the full question and answer
Flowering native plants for Evanston IL
July 12, 2009 - What flowering, native plants would be suitable for a backyard garden in Evanston Illinois?
view the full question and answer
Date for visitor from England to see bluebonnets
February 04, 2010 - Hi there
I live in England, and I'm planning a trip to Texas to photograph the wildflowers around Austin and the hill country. I especially want to photograph bluebonnets. I can be in Texas either...
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers and grasses in Vermont
June 01, 2009 - Invasive in VT.? I am ready to try seed balls in my SW Vermont meadow. (All the tilling and clearing of grass - or as sometimes advised - using Round Up??? for a wildflower garden? seems like so muc...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |