How to Grow Texas Bluebonnet

Annual, Lupinus subcarnosus, Lupinus Texensis

Texas Bluebonnet is a colorful, hardy annual. 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 Texas Bluebonnets  A member of the Lupine family, they are native to Texas.

Texas Bluebonnet is commonly found growing wild along roadsides and in fields. They grow 12" - 24", and 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 pink and white varieties.

Texas Bluebonnets make great wildflowers for fields. They also do well in your flower gardens, or as container plants.

Did you Know? Buffalo Clover is another name for Texas Bluebonnet.

Plant Height: 12"

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Plant Propagation:

Texas Bluebonnet are grown from seed. Germination can be difficult, and seeds may not sprout at the same time. Sow Texas Bluebonnet seeds 1/8" to 1/4" deep. For large, mass plantings, rake lightly 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 prior to planting.

Days to Germination: 7 - 14

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How to Grow Texas Bluebonnet Plants:

Texas Bluebonnet plants like full to partial sun. They will do well in gravelly, well drained soils. They do not like heavy, clay soils that retain a lot of moisture. The plants 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 weeks prior to 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.

Flowers Bloom: Spring to Summer

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Insect and Disease:

Texas Bluebonnet 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. 

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