—Texas bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis)—annual spring flower

—Size: 12-24” tall by 12-24” wide

—Site: full sun

—To Propagate: 30-60 minutes concentrated sulfuric acid scarification—we have found that 12 hours of hydrogen peroxide soak provided similar results. If not planting immediately after the acid soak one can rinse and dry the pre-treated seeds thoroughly before storage—they are ready to plant when needed. It it best to not store pre-treated seeds for more than a few months. Planting in the fall will also work but subjects seeds to the vagaries of long-term in situ planting.

The iconic flower—state flower—of Texas. Actually, the Texas state legislature recognizes five species of bluebonnet with Lupinus texensis being the largest species and most commonly recognized. Besides, Texas is in the scientific name of this species!

The subject of many roadside, meadow, prairie, and even mowed lawn photographs because of the gorgeous vibrant blue blooms, which show so beautifully because Texas bluebonnets grow in expansive communities. Blue is a rare color in the natural world which also adds to its beauty.

This is not a difficult species to germinate, if scarified, but can be challenging to grow without full sun and warming weather. Do not plant too early in the spring but do plant before the weather warms. In the south Texas bluebonnet can be planted in the fall to go through the natural scarification process of freeze—thaw, but this exposes the seeds to potential disease, weather, predator animals and birds, etc. for an extended period. It is so easy to scarify the seeds yourself we do not recommend fall planting…and scarified seeds, after rinsing and thoroughly drying, can be stored before planting so no need to pre-treat seeds the day of planting.

Even though we all admire the expansive seas of blue in nature, Texas bluebonnet is attractive in smaller settings planted in small groups, inter spaced between later-season flowers and other annuals, or even as individual plants—one plant will form a rosette of many blooming stems and is noteworthy as a specimen.

Note: If you order more than one lot of one species of seeds, for example you place two orders of 100 seeds, or whatever variation is offered, we assume you want 200 seeds and your order will be sent in one seed packet.