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Wednesday, May. 14, 2025

Fact brief: Do droughts affect bluebonnet growth in Texas?

Kathryn Miller, Fort Worth Report
yes

Lack of rainfall affects bluebonnet growth in Texas. 

The intensity of the wildflower season is heavily influenced by fall and winter rains. Less rain usually leads to fewer blooms, because a lack of rain impacts wildflower’s energy. 

At the beginning of the 2025 wildflower season, horticulture specialists said a drought in West Texas would hinder early-blooming wildflowers like bluebonnets. 

Experts also predicted cities like Brenham and College Station would experience more blooms because of increased rainfall.

Bluebonnets germinate in the fall and their leaf clusters grow over the winter. 

After warm rain falls in late winter and early spring, the leaf clusters grow into larger plants and begin to blossom. 

Cooler spring temperatures slow down blooms, while warmer weather speeds it up.

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