Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - July 27, 2013
From: Victoria, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Mistake in propagation of Mustang grapes from Victoria TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I didn't read first! I planted dried mustang grape seeds in good potting soil, watered and put on tall clear plastic bags to retain moisture, will they ever come up? Should I get the seed out and refrigate? Is all lost? Please help. I live at Victoria, Texas. Thank you.ANSWER:
This USDA Plant Profile Map does not indicate that Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape) grows naturally in Victoria County, though it does grow in counties around it. Here are its growing conditions from our webpage on the plant:
"Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Limestone-based, Clay, Clay Loam, Medium Loam, Sandy Loam, Sandy"
You might want to check with the Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension Office for Victoria County to make sure you have the appropriate soils for this plant.
We have several previous answers to questions on propagating Mustang grapes. Read them first:
Previous question - March 20, 2005
Or, from eHelpful Tips, How to Grow Mustang Grapes
In none of those did we see dried seed or plastic bags mentioned. Frankly, we would skip that and start over with fresh seeds or root cuttings in the Fall, as suggested.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Identification of vine in Pennsylvania
June 11, 2012 - I have several vine plants growing in my deck planters from last season. The leaves are 9 pointed, it looks more like 7, but there are 2 little points at the very bottom of the larger leaves. When t...
view the full question and answer
Thorny vines for a shady Louisiana fence
January 17, 2015 - Do you know of a fast growing, non-invasive, thorny vine that I can grow along a shady fence row in Baton Rouge, Louisiana?
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine with green flowers
May 23, 2012 - Trying to identify a vine with 5-petaled ~1 cm dia green flowers (w/ barely perceptible white & black speckles). I have 3 photos I can send (showing flowers & leaves).
The flower petals are almost...
view the full question and answer
Identification of purchased vine
November 11, 2010 - Hi,
I bought a hanging vine plant, and came with no id. The leaves are simple, alternate arrangement, entire margin (smooth edge margin). It has an ashy look, like the green purple sage. The flower ...
view the full question and answer
Caterpillars eating passion vines from Austin
May 17, 2012 - My question concerns Yellow passion flower, purple passion vine & butterflies. I have had my passion vines for 3-4 years, each spring they start growing beautifully, then in 1-2 days are almost compl...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |