October is the Time to Plant Wildflower Seeds

The cooler weather and coinciding fall rains make October a notable time to sow native wildflower seeds. Bluebonnets, of course, are the most beloved of the Texas natives but there are many others that are as easy to grow and extend the spring show.

American basket flower Centaurea americana, pictured above, is a favorite of mine. An annual that stands approximately 1 1/2-5 feet tall, it blooms May-June when the bluebonnets have given up and gone to seed. Loved by people and pollinators alike, it deserves more attention in the home garden. Seed collection is easy; make sure to gather some before the finches eat it all and you’ll have plenty to share with all the folks who remark on what an exceptional flower it is.