As the summer heat begins to fade, Texans may be surprised to learn that fall is the prime season for planting wildflowers seeds, setting the stage for breathtaking spring landscapes.
Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes, both Texas native flowers, hold an important detail in order to flourish: These vibrant blooms require careful preparation that should beginin autumn, according to the Texas Parks and Wildfire Department.
The state agency emphasizes the ecological benefits of native wildflowers, which provide support for the ecosystem that helps nurture and sustain the growth of other kinds of flowers.
“Native plants form the foundation of healthy food webs and sustain pollinators who in turn provide food for other wildlife,” Craig Hensley, a biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, said in a news release.
With over 94% of Texas lands privately owned, the involvement of landowners in pollinator conservation efforts is vital, state officials say.
Texans can contribute by planting native wildflowers adapted to local conditions, benefiting the pollinators that rely on them.
Texas Parks and Wildfire Department says homeowners who want to join in the effort can do so by starting a backyard wildflower garden. To do so, they should:
- Pick a spot in the yard or garden that doesn’t have preexisting turf (St. Augustine and Bermuda) or remove turf if needed.
- Scatter seed by hand. Smaller seeds are easier to handle if mixed with sand. One part seed to four parts sand.
- Rake or tamp in seeds, but make sure they are only about 1/8 inch deep; seeds will need the sun to germinate.
- Keep moist for several days unless rainfall is expected. Water every 2 to 3 weeks during prolonged periods of no rain during the winter.
For those with larger properties, the Texas Parks and Wildfire Department offers guidance through its private lands program to assist landowners with conservation-friendly management practices.
Once flower blooms appear in spring, residents are encouraged to allow plants to naturally drop seeds, creating a cycle of growth that continues for years.
Additionally, leaving dead stems provides nesting sites for solitary bees, further supporting pollinator health.