While wildflowers such as the bluebonnet are beautiful in bloom, once their color fades and the plants die back, they aren’t as attractive. Well, if you live in Washington County, Texas, the time is now. For the best chances of a bluebonnet meadow you can be proud of, follow these tips: * In North Texas, plant mid-September to mid-October for best results. Now I can understand not mowing the sides of the road till the bluebonnets are gone, they make the sides look beautiful, but I do not understand why people are not allowed to mow their own yard. Bluebonnets, being one of the state symbols, can be seen growing in every corner of the state, but the Texas Hill Country seems to be their favorite place. Muleshoe Bend Park in Spicewood, TX (Credit: Steve Ingenito, Country Sleep Photography ) And, in general, I have heard that they are not allowed to mow anywhere where bluebonnets grow. Bluebonnets near Palmer. Despite the bedraggled look, that is not the time to mow. Until this year. Bluebonnets prefer sunny, well-drained areas. It’s best if you have a few bare spots. Leave the area undisturbed all winter —no mowing. If you can wait sow the seeds after a good rain. The peak season is usually in April. Jeff P . The first step, according to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center horticulturist Leslie Uppinghouse, begins in early summer, around May or early June. If you live somewhere other than Brenham, you can ldetermine when to mow them by looking at the seed pods of your bluebonnets. Remember, YOU MUST REMOVE (shred and mow) the large bluebonnet plants IMMEDIATELY after they bloom next April or you can and will damage the bermuda grass turf. This practice has … Bluebonnets are the official state flower of Texas and seem to pop up just about everywhere this time of year, from your neighborhood median to the open fields in the Hill Country. Mowing at just the right times enhances wildflower and native vegetation growth. Here are a couple of not so great pictures to illustrate what I am talking about: At this point in the season, the bluebonnets will be done flowering, and the petals will start to dry and drop. At … Bluebonnets, as wildflowers, need to have their seeds spread along the sides of the road, in fields, and in other areas to grow. Find that spot in your yard and mow the grass really low. By 1934, department rules delayed all mowing, unless essential for safety, until spring and early summer wildflower seasons were over. After mowing rake any loose grass and thatch. Again, I did not look for answers. The fields bloom for about 6 weeks, from March till mid-April. Show accomodations nearby. * Bluebonnets like full sun. Big fields have a continuous cycle of germinating seeds from many years. Find a … Markwardt anticipates a fairly good bluebonnet crop in 2020, though not nearly as strong as it was in 2012. If most of the pods have opened and curled up, it is time to mow. “I bet we’re going to have a … To encourage more bluebonnets in a field, it’s important to wait until at least half the pods have turned tan before mowing. Late January and early February rainfalls this year, along with late autumn rains last year, should give spring flowers a boost.