Mrs. David's Garden Seeds®

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Texas Bluebonnets

Let's talk about something that's near and dear to the heart of every Texan - bluebonnets. Did you know there are seven shades of Texas bluebonnets? It's true. Most folks tell me that they are supposed to be blue only. You see, bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, are not only iconic but are a beautiful representation of the state's vibrant natural beauty. Let's dive in and explore these magnificent flowers, their history, how to grow them, and the rules you need to follow to appreciate them fully.

David's Garden Seeds® always has some bluebonnet seeds. Right now, as of October 2024, we have four varieties that are for sale.

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Texas Bluebonnets - 10/14-10/20/2024

Monday, October 14, 2024

Good morning. It is already Monday morning. How could the night go so quickly? So this week, we are talking about something that is near and dear to the hearts of Texans--our early spring Texas bluebonnets!

Happy Columbus Day! When I was a kid in school, we were taught to celebrate this day and we would learn about the three ships and color pictures of them. Now, a lot of people have bad things to say about Columbus but if their company gives them today off, they sure don't mind that! We are working today but the mailman will not come pick up the mail. We have bags of orders ready to go out but they will have to wait until tomorrow to be picked up.

We had had one customer and it is now after 4pm. It is 98° even though this morning we enjoyed 59°. Hopefully, by Wednesday it will cool down some. The UPS man showed up but there was no FedEx and no Amazon truck.

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Texas Bluebonnets

First up, we have the Natural Blue bluebonnets. This is the classic bluebonnet most people picture when they think of Texas. They're stunning, with rich blue petals that create lovely fields of blue during blooming season, late February through early April.

Next, we have the Intense Blue bluebonnet, known as 'Lady Bird Johnson Royal Blue.' This particular shade was selected by the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service as a Texas SuperStar.

You might be surprised to hear that bluebonnets come in pink, too! The 'Abbot Pink' variety adds a delicate and unique touch to any bluebonnet field.

Then there's the Maroon bluebonnet, famously termed 'Alamo Fire' or 'Aggie Maroon.' This shade tends to steal the spotlight with its deep, rich color.

Light Purple, known as 'Grant's Maroon,' is another beautiful variant. While not as bold as Aggie Maroon, it adds a lovely contrast to the more intense shades.

The Dark Purple bluebonnet, or 'Purple Heart,' offers a more intense, dramatic floral display that captivates the onlooker.

Finally, there's the Bright Red bluebonnet, known as 'Henry's Red.' This fiery color stands out in any field, evoking a sense of passion and intensity.

A bluebonnet aka Lupinus texensis is a lupine but not all lupines are considered bluebonnets. Some people come into the store and say they have white bluebonnets growing in their yards. They have white lupines but not white bluebonnets. Wild lupines are native to Wisconsin and do not do well in heat while Texas bluebonnets in seven shades are native to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and parts of Mexico. Lupine seeds that are not considered bluebonnets also come in yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, and blue. We do carry seeds for lupines.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Good morning. I woke up too early but I have been reading and working on this page. I still have not received the amount raised plus the matching amount for the hurricane victims from David. He will give it to me when he is good and ready.

We have had three customers so far today. It is currently 2pm and 94° Fahrenheit.

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Help For Hurricane Helene

I finally received the information from David. I just finished sending out a newsletter if you are subscribed. If not, David's newsletter is below:

From October 4th through October 12th, we had sales of:
Total Gross Sales: $5243.51
Taxes: $66.39
Returns: 0
Shipping: $571.62
Refunds: $75.50
Discounts: $33.21
Total Net Sales: $4530.00
12% Business part = $543.60
6 % David's part = $271.80
Total to Donate: $815.40 so we are going to make it an even $1000.00.
Pretty good considering it is not seed season, the state of the economy right now, plus the fact that about 1/8 of our customer base is under water.
I believe we said we would give this through Samaritan's Purse. They take about 15 to 20% for expenses. It is a business and it does take money to run a business.
I found a gentleman, Paul Chapman, who is on the ground in North
Carolina. He is from Texas. He loads his trailer up with food and takes it to NC. He pulls his BBQ grill with him and cooks meals for the determined rebuilders of the hurricane. I have posted some of his stuff to the Seed Germination Facebook Page.
He is currently heading back to Texas for another load. He will leave in two weeks for his third trip. Recovery is going to take a long time. My plan is to take the $1000 and give it to him to take and help. He was telling me that now they need to prepare for winter. They need propane heaters and tanks. I have a few for emergency purposes here for the greenhouse. We are going to give these. Winter clothing (new) will be needed. Hats, gloves and socks. Someone may think "new." If limitations are not put on it, then there are those who will go, clean out the closet, and give all their old junk. Then they will go buy new for themselves. Keep the junk and buy new.
I used to be a pastor. Members would go out and buy a new appliance and give the old one to the church. It seems I remember reading where God wants the best. Expects the best. Not our broken-down stuff. One church had three coffee pots, two mixers, two microwaves, and one TV. None of it worked.
Let me know what you think. If you want the money to go to Samaritan's Purse, then that is where we will give it.
Thank you for your input and may God's blessings be upon you.
David Schulze
Owner
David's Garden Seeds®
Veteran owned Small Business
5029 FM2504
Poteet, TX 78065
210-502-3797 davidsgardenseeds@outlook.com

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Texas Bluebonnets

So, how did bluebonnets come to be the state flower of Texas? It all began back in 1901 when the Texas Legislature declared the bluebonnet as the official state flower.

The decision stemmed from an immense appreciation for their beauty and their abundant presence across the state. The flower is named for its striking resemblance to the bonnets worn by pioneer women to shield themselves from the Texas sun.

The choice wasn't without debate; other flowers like the cactus and cotton boll were strong contenders. However, bluebonnets won out due to their profound connection with Texas' natural landscape and spirit.

Over the years, bluebonnets have become a symbol of Texas pride and an integral part of the state's identity, from roadways to wild prairies.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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Texas Bluebonnets

Let's get into an important topic: the rules around bluebonnets. Can you pick them? Can you dig them up? Is it against the law? These questions pop up all the time.

The good news is, there’s no specific law stating you can’t pick bluebonnets in Texas. However, you should exercise caution and respect.

It’s important to note that picking bluebonnets on private property without permission is definitely against the law. You need to get the owner's consent first.

Additionally, while it's not illegal to pick bluebonnets on public highways or expanses, it's not recommended because it could be unsafe and damage the natural habitat. Each year, folks bring their babies out to the country and place them in fields of bluebonnets to take photos. These foolish city people do not realize that there are rattlesnakes and copperheads in those fields.

Digging up bluebonnets, however, is not allowed. Uprooting these beauties can damage the ecosystem and prevent new flowers from growing.

Best practice? Admire their beauty, take stunning photographs, and leave the flowers for others to enjoy. Let's protect the state's natural heritage.

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

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Texas Bluebonnets

Now, let's talk about how to plant bluebonnet seeds. Knowing how to plant bluebonnet seeds will allow you to enjoy these flowers right in your own garden.

Timing is crucial. The best time to plant bluebonnet seeds is in the fall, typically between late September and early November. October is the perfect month to plant bluebonnets, about one quarter inch deep. Cover with soil and water them well. They will come up in the fall but they will not bloom until they have gone through winter. They need to be cold stratified which means they will not bloom until they have experienced a cold spell. Usually, sometime during the winter months, Texas gets chilly and that is all it takes to have fantastic blooms starting in late February.

Bluebonnets prefer well-drained soil and full sun, so choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it and ensuring it's free of weeds or grass. This allows the bluebonnet seeds to establish more easily.

Scatter the seeds evenly across the soil surface, then lightly rake them into the ground. You can also press them into the soil with a board to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Just make sure that you do not just toss the seeds out without covering them. If they are not covered, they will either blow away or get eaten by bugs and birds.

Water the seeds well, but be careful not to over water. Bluebonnets are drought-tolerant, and too much water can cause issues with germination.

Once the seeds are planted, it’s mostly a waiting game. You’ll see sprouts in a few weeks, and then the beautiful flowers will bloom come spring.

Remember, patience is key. It may take a season or two for a full bluebonnet field to emerge, but it's well worth the wait.

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Friday, October 18, 2024

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Texas Bluebonnets

Bluebonnets have an interesting history. They are native to Texas and can be found throughout the state's diverse landscapes.

These flowers belong to the legume family, similar to peas and beans. Their scientific name is Lupinus texensis, indicative of their strong ties to Texas.

Bluebonnets have thrived in Texas due to the state’s varying climates that offer the perfect mix of hot summers and mild winters they love.

They grow in prairies, alongside roads, and in meadows, contributing to Texas's brightly colored spring displays.

Timing, as we mentioned earlier, is everything when planting bluebonnet seeds, so let’s reiterate: plant them in the fall.

Aim for late September through early November. This timing allows the seeds to establish roots before the cooler weather sets in.

The fall planting ensures that by spring, your bluebonnets will begin to bloom beautifully, making your garden or field a sight to behold.

Planting bluebonnets too early or too late can result in a less impressive bloom, so sticking to the fall schedule is crucial for success.

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Saturday, October 19, 2024

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Texas Bluebonnets

Ensuring your bluebonnets thrive involves a bit of care and attention beyond just planting them. Let’s look at how to grow bluebonnets successfully.

Make sure the seeds receive enough sunlight. Bluebonnets need full sun to grow well, so ensure they have at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily.

Be mindful of watering. Bluebonnets prefer drier soil, so avoid overwatering. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant.

Don’t over-fertilize. Bluebonnets are used to poorer soils and don’t need much additional nutrients. Too much fertilizer can actually harm them.

Thin out seedlings if they’re too dense. About one plant per square foot is ideal for healthy growth.

Watch out for weeds. Weeds can compete with bluebonnets for nutrients and water, so keep the area around them clear.

Encourage natural reseeding. Allow your bluebonnets to go to seed, and then collect those seeds for next season or let them drop naturally.

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Sunday, October 20, 2024

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Texas Bluebonnets

Many of Texas’s 30 million residents love and appreciate bluebonnets, so it’s crucial to know the dos and don’ts when interacting with them.

Educate your family and friends about the importance of respecting bluebonnet fields. This helps preserve their beauty for everyone.

Remember, while it’s not illegal to pick them, it’s best to leave bluebonnets intact for others to enjoy and for the continued health of the fields.

Never dig up bluebonnets. This could severely damage the plants and prevent future growth. Always admire them where they are.

Take plenty of pictures but avoid trampling the flowers. Stay on designated paths when walking through bluebonnet fields.

Share the beauty of bluebonnets with visitors to the state. Let them know about the different shades and the best places to see them.

Remember, bluebonnets are a symbol of Texas pride. Treating them with care shows respect for the state’s heritage and natural beauty.

Enjoying bluebonnets reminds us why they are the state flower of Texas and why their seven shades add so much to the state's natural charm.

There you have it, a comprehensive guide on bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, and the seven shades they come in.

Whether you're a gardener looking to plant bluebonnet seeds or someone just curious about these beautiful flowers, this guide covers it all.

Remember, bluebonnets come in 7 colors in Texas, each adding a unique touch to the state's scenery.

Knowing how to plant bluebonnet seeds and when to plant them is key to enjoying these flowers in your own space.

Respect for bluebonnet fields ensures that future generations will also get to enjoy their beauty.

Bluebonnets not only represent the spirit of Texas but also bring a colorful burst of nature’s splendor each year.

So next time you see a field of bluebonnets, take a moment to appreciate their history, variety, and the joy they bring to so many.

Happy bluebonnet season, Texas!

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Return from Texas Bluebonnets to Growing Flowers

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Since 2009, over 1,500,000 home gardeners, all across the USA, have relied on David's Garden Seeds® to grow beautiful gardens. Trust is at the heart of it. Our customers know David's Garden Seeds® stocks only the highest quality seeds available. Our mission is to become your lifetime supplier of quality seeds. It isn't just to serve you once; we want to earn your trust as your primary supplier.

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Our New 2024 TV Ad

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Please like and subscribe on YouTube and come visit us at our Farm Store! The music on our TV ad was written, played, and sung by our son, Matthew Schulze. You can meet him when you come to the farm. He just might give you a tour. Ask him to grab a guitar and sing our jingle that he wrote.

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