Above average Bluebonnet season expected this Spring

In 2017, Bluebonnet's got an early start, thanks in large part to a warmer than average winter in the Brazos Valley. Many blooms started as early as the first week of February, and continued through late March. The blooms didn't last as long and weren't quite as vibrant as in previous years.

This year has been different. Our area has had colder temperatures and several hard freezes. Since Bluebonnets are a cool season plant, they actually like cooler weather.

Charla Anthony is a Horticulturist for the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service in Brazos County. She says last year was different than most years.

"They germinated a little later this year, in the end of the summer of 2017 than they did in 2016. Now, we typically see them peaking in April and I think that'll happen this year, whereas last year, they peaked a little earlier than usual," Anthony explained.

She said this year could be a good one for the official state flower of Texas. The cooler winter temperatures, in addition to the periodic light rain we've had, should be ideal for more widespread coverage of the flower this Spring. That means more photo opportunities with the favorite flower of Texas.