Texas bluebonnet ( Lupinus texensis ) populate the pastures and roadsides of Texas each spring with a outburst of striking down blooms . Growing 12- to 24 - inches tall , the Lone Star land ’s official flower is a ego - cross-pollinate yearly that grows in a variety of soil conditions . The sheer patrician , fragrant flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies , making this the perfect specimen for container , flower bed and cottage garden .

Germination

Texas bluebonnet seed , planted in the fall , typically burgeon forth within 15 to 75 days . Scarified source offer the in force consequence when plant in a location that offers at least 8 to 10 minute of sunlight per sidereal day and well - draining grease .

Root Development

After germination , Texas bluebonnets spend the winter months forming a monolithic stem system . The roots contain nitrogen - cook nodules , allowing the bluebonnet to take nitrogen from the standard pressure which feeds the plant life .

Early Foliage

As the rootage organization develop below , a rosette jacket crown of foliage sprout on the surface . Only a few inches in stature , this low - lying sprout spread outwards cover a dinner plate sized orbit . After first freeze , the bottom leaves develop a mysterious crimson color .

Stem and Bud Growth

Spring initiates the growth process for the balance of the plant . When temperature get up , the stem originate from the center of the crown with a single bloom spring at the tip . Light light-green set of compound leaves , typically with five cusp , form along the stem .

Bloom

Each compact bloom is comprised of 50 or more flowers that open from the bottom first , unwrap deep blueish flower petal ending in a terminal white tip . While blue is the most common colour , there are albino ashen and red strains as well as a rarefied pinkish mental strain diagnose " Abbott . " The heyday period lasts for near one calendar month . However , if plants are subjected to superfluous shade , blush are less probable to form .

Seed Development

Seeds phase along the stem during the bloom cycle . Texas bluebonnets , part of the edible bean family , form leguminous pods . Unlike relatives , however , these come and pod are toxicant and should not be ingested by homo or creature . Pods mature two week after the end of the blossom menses . To save bluebonnet seeds , harvest pods before they erupt , remove seeds and allow them to dry thoroughly before put in .

End

The bluebonnet growing cycle is all over once seeds mature and foliage go bad off . In field and other heavy areas , the plant can be pout off to aid in dispersal of seeded player and to control competition from weeds and forage .

References

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