Bluebonnets ready to bloom on Texas landscape
By BETH WAXMAN Bluebonnet Garden Club

Bluebonnets, the offfical state flower of Texas, will soon cover the banks of the Jasper County courthouse square as they have began to bloom. Newsboy photo/Charles Kerr

"The Bluebonnet is to Texas what the Shamrock is to Ireland," acording to historian Jack Maguire. "It's not only the State flower but also a kind of floral trademark almost as well known to outsiders as cowboy boots and the Stetson hat."

Soon a spectacular showing of our Texas State flower will grace our courthouse square, highway right-of-ways, meadows and many established lawns in Jasper.

Although bluebonnets bloom in March and April, the ideal time to plant the seeds is between August and October. It is important that you select an optimal growing condition for your bluebonnets.

Bluebonnets require eight to 10 hours of direct sunlight and should be sown in well drained soil. Before planting, bluebonnet seeds must be scarified to encourage proper germination. Scarifying is easily accomplished by rubbing the seeds with fine sandpaper; this will break the hard coat on the seed.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not recommended to simply toss or scatter the seeds; they should barely be covered with soil or organic matter and watered in on the day of planting. Their germination period is normally ten days. Remember bluebonnets are drought tolerant, so don't over water.

If you have waited too late to plant bluebonnet seeds but still would like to enjoy their magnificent color, transplants or seedlings are a wonderful alternative. Seedlings are easy to handle and can be spaced in between other plants in your beds.

If your garden space is limited, containers, such as wooden barrels, planter boxes and terracotta pots, are ideally suited to bluebonnets. As a reminder, remember to prepare the soil properly and place the pots in a sunny location.

Recently, the Maroon Bluebonnet commonly referred to as the Aggie Bluebonnet has been introduced in our area. Mixing the original bluebonnet with the Maroon Bluebonnet makes a colorful showing in yards, but the Maroon Bluebonnet will revert to blue next growing season if planted next to any purple or blue flower.

The Maroon Bluebonnets should have their own secluded area to maintain their uniqueness.

Jasper is home to the Bluebonnet Garden Club which was established in 1967. The club meets the third Thursday at 10 a.m. September through May.

During Azalea Fest, March 17, the club will havebluebonnet and Aggie Bluebonnet seedlings for sale, as well as chances on a drawing for a pastel of "Aggie Bluebonnets" created by charter club member and local artist, Pat Tatum. Members will be on hand to provide information and tips on growing bluebonnets.