Expert: C.L. Fornari - 7/27/2006

Question
I am moving to Germany in two weeks and have no idea where to start.  I am from Texas and would like to try to build a small green house in doors for bluebonnets.  How well can I do this I have never tried to grow them on my own.  If I keep a UV light and water will that work?  Also if I am able to do this what other flowers can I get away with?  I am not sure of the kind of soils or tricks that go along with gardening I am new at this especially in another country.  

Answer
Annastacia,
I have never grown bluebonnets in a covered house before - I'm assuming that you want to do so because they are not hardy where you will be, yes?  In general, if you are growing plants indoors, you need good air circulation (most greenhouses have fans) and in the dark months you'll have to provide 12 to 14 hours of lights.

You have a couple of challanges - the first is that plants that are usually grown outdoors are prone to bugs when kept inside.  Professional growers need to spray or "bomb" their houses all the time to keep things under control...not sure any plant is worth that on a home level, but that is up to you.

With bluebonnets, getting the soil right will also be a challange.  Since I have not grown them inside I can't guide you there - but you might call the Ladybird Johnson WIldflower Center and ask someone there.

I guess what I would encourage you to do is to visit public gardens, greenhouses, and nurseries where you are in Germany before you embark on a huge investment of time and energy growing stuff indoors.  Plant lovers are very generous and kind, overall, and this is a way you can get connected in that area and perhaps make some friends who share interest in plants.  They can also guide you about what grows well there, indoors and outdoors.  

So if I were you I'd tuck some packets of bluebonnet seeds in my suitcase - in addition to starting some yourself, you can give them to people you meet as a small gift from where you are from -  and then explore the horticulture of the region.  

all the best,
C.L.