Texas Bluebonnet plants are colorful, hardy annuals. They are easy to grow, and a favorite for their deep blue color. It is the state flower of Texas. Actually, it is one of five Texas state flowers- five varieties of annual Texas Bluebonnets flowers. A member of the Lupine family, they are native to Texas. This guide on “How to Grow Texas Bluebonnet Flowers” will help you to grow this wildflower in whatever state you live in.
Texas Bluebonnet is commonly found growing wild along roadsides and in fields. The flowers bloom in the spring, atop lacy, sage green foliage. Flowers bloom on spikes and are dark blue, with the florets on the top turning to white. While we all think of Bluebonnets as blue, there are varieties in several colors.
Texas Bluebonnets make great wildflowers for fields. They also do well in your flower gardens, or as container plants.
Flowers Bloom: From early Spring to Summer
Flower Colors: Flowers bloom in shades of blue, pink, purple, red, white, yellow, and bi-colors.
Plant height: 2 to 4 feet tall.
Did You Know: ” The world record tallest Texas Bluebonnet t is 64.75 inches tall. They sure grow ’em big the big state of Texas!
Plant Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8
Other Names: Buffalo Clover, Wolf Clover
Annual, Lupinus subcarnosus, Lupinus Texensis
Texas Bluebonnet is grown from seed. Germination can be difficult, and seeds may not sprout at the same time. Sow the seeds 1/8″ to 1/4″ deep. For large, mass plantings, broadcast-spread the seeds. Then, lightly rake them into the soil.
They can be directly seeded into your flower garden or started indoors for transplanting later. In Texas, they are planted in late fall and over-wintered. In more northerly, areas they are best started indoors or after the last frost date.
Garden Tip: For faster and more successful germination, soak seeds for 72 hours before planting.
Also, for indoor starts, we recommend using a heated germination mat, to increase the speed of germination. And, it, results in a higher germination rate.
Final Plant Spacing: Space plants 12 – 18 inches apart.
Days to Germination: Seeds sprout in 7 – 14 days.
Like other wildflowers, Texas Bluebonnets are a low-maintenance plant. They grow best in full to partial sun. They will do well in gravelly, well-drained soils. However, do not like heavy, clay soils that retain a lot of moisture. The plants are drought-tolerant and prefer dry soil conditions. You should not have to water this hardy plant.
Adding a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the season will help to promote maximum growth and bloom. We recommend one fertilizer feeding a couple of weeks before blooming.
Texas Bluebonnet plants will require little maintenance. Once established, they will thrive all season long. That leaves you with time to tend to other plants, and to enjoy the sea of blue spring blooms atop your Texas Bluebonnet.
Ideal Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5.
Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures, too.
Annual Texas Bluebonnet plants are a favorite plant of pillbugs and sowbugs in Texas. In other areas, nocturnal slugs, snails, and other pests may be a problem.
Disease problems are not too common. Use a fungicide, only if a problem occurs.