Bluebonnet Growth Stages

Seeds

• Bluebonnet seeds are small and exceedingly hard -- similar to pea gravel. If a gardener plants bluebonnet seeds without scarifying them first -- breaking or injuring the seed coat of the seeds -- less than 20 percent of the total seeds planted will germinate during the first year. This germination process ensures that bluebonnets germinate gradually over a period of time to prolong the growth and bloom of bluebonnets. You have three planting options -- plant unscarified seeds and allow them to germinate gradually over time, scarify the seeds yourself or purchase specially prepared seeds that will germinate quickly without manual scarification.

Germination

• Bluebonnet seeds require cool temperatures to germinate -- autumn planting between September and November is ideal. After scattering bluebonnet seeds liberally over the soil in a planting area, cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil to enhance germination. Keep the soil evenly moist by watering every two or three days if rain does not fall. Over the winter months, the bluebonnet seedlings will germinate and grow slowly. Early bluebonnet growth stays close to the soil, forming dense rosettes, with roots developing underground. Autumn frosts may turn the bluebonnet foliage red.

Blooming

• Spring temperatures will encourage vigorous growth from bluebonnet plants. The plants will form stalks with the first warmth and blossoms will follow by the middle of March. Bluebonnets generally bloom for about one month with vigorous blue, white or pink blossoms. You may be able to extend the blooming period by deadheading the spent blossoms.

Seedpods

• Approximately four to six weeks after the blossoms fade, seedpods finish maturing. The seedpods will turn yellow or brown and they will eventually burst when they mature enough and dry completely. If you desire natural reseeding, leave the seedpods undisturbed and they will reseed without assistance. Mowing the spent bluebonnet plants down after the seedpods mature is an effective method of enhancing the reseeding process. If you wish to harvest seeds to plant in another area, remove seedpods before they burst and open them manually. Dry the seeds thoroughly on newspaper and then store them in a sealed container for future planting.