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_00.gif)
Monday - September 20, 2004
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Container Gardens
Title: Planting a container of wildflower seeds in Dallas
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
I have purchased a 1 # container of wild flower seeds in North Dallas. When can I throw these seeds in a nearby field, & is it advantageous to do it during a rain?ANSWER:
I do not know what the contents of your packet may be, however, now is the best time to start your seed mixes. It is close enough to October, and the weather will now start to become more stable (i.e. more temperate) as you move in to Fall. The main difficulty will be providing adequate moisture to initiate germination for these seeds, as well as ensuring good soil to seed contact. If you do not receive adequate seasonal rain events, you may have to provide supplemental watering to initiate germination. We do provide info on gardening with native plants and establishing seed; browse on-line to our Native Plant Library, which provides timely articles on the topics you are inquiring about.More Container Gardens Questions
Replanting a blue agave in Rio Rancho NM
January 11, 2010 - I have acquired a Blue Agave, approximately 4-5 ft high. It still appears quite healthy. It was used over the holiday season for display purposes in a liquor store. Unfortunately, the root ball has be...
view the full question and answer
Want to Grow Herbs in Pots on Balcony
November 26, 2011 - Nov. 20, 2011
I live in a large apartment with a front balcony. I was wondering what would grow well in pots and fresh herb this time of the year? And will lavendar work for a hanging plant as well...
view the full question and answer
Return of empty Plant Sale pots from Austin
April 20, 2010 - Would the WFC want the empty plant containers back? I live near the center and could drop off quite a few containers, along with plastic tags. Let me know where, if so.
view the full question and answer
Loss of blooms in potted plants in Hawaii
November 11, 2007 - My lanai is in strong afternoon sun and no matter what "full sun" plants I try to grow they quickly stop blooming. Plumeria, Hibiscus, Echinacea, even Bougainvillea...they continue to grow but lose...
view the full question and answer
Cedar sage not blooming in pots in Austin
September 14, 2012 - I have cedar sage (salvia roemeriana) in containers on a dappled-shade apartment patio in Austin, TX. This is their first season here, transplanted in May (it's now September). All the plants have be...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |