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Native Plant Society of Texas

How to grow Texas Bluebonnets from seeds

Presentation Details

This presentation explains how to grow Texas Bluebonnets from seeds. It explains when to plant the seeds, how and where to plant them, when the seeds will sprout, the stages of growth, when they bloom, how to tell when flowers have been
pollinated, how to tell when they have dropped their seeds, and what happens after that. It also covers why we want to grow native plants, and tells where to get more information about native plants. I can give the presentation in person or remotely. If in person, I will bring up to 40 bluebonnet seed packets to give out.

Equipment Required:
Projector, Microphone, Table
Additional Requirements:
Water
Ecoregions Covered:
Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, Texas Blackland Prairies

Presenter Information

Steve Poole

Steve Poole has been growing native plants, including Bluebonnets, in his yard for several years. He is a member of the Williamson County NPSOT, and the Austin chapter of the […]

  • Steve Poole

    Steve Poole has been growing native plants, including Bluebonnets, in his yard for several years. He is a member of the Williamson County NPSOT, and the Austin chapter of the Sierra Club. He has NPSOT Native Landscape Certification Program Levels 1 and 2. He lives in Leander TX where he enjoys sharing seeds, plants, and plant knowledge. His yard is listed on the Homegrown National Park map. His public Instagram profile is nativeplantsinleander, where you can see pictures of some of his plants.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason