Fall is the best time to plant Texas wildflower seeds

Zoom in: Native wildflowers like bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes need colder soil temperatures to germinate.

• Ideally, they need rainfall, too. But during drought, appropriate watering will work, per TPWD.
• Native wildflowers provide a habitat for pollinators like insects, birds and mammals. That in turn helps sustain food crops for both humans and livestock.

Yes, but: Do your research before buying seed packets to learn what wildflowers are native in your area. You can check with the Native Plant Society of Texas.

What they're saying: "Native plants form the foundation of healthy food webs and sustain pollinators who in turn provide food for other wildlife from birds to amphibians, reptiles and mammals," Craig Hensley, Texas nature tracker biologist, said in a statement.

TPWD offers these steps to plant wildflowers in your yard:

• Pick a spot that doesn't have preexisting turf, or remove the turf.
• Scatter the seeds by hand. Pro tip: Smaller seeds are easier to handle when mixed with sand, using one part seed to four parts sand.
• Rake or pack in the seeds, ensuring they are about 1/8 inch deep. They will still need the sun to germinate.
• Keep them moist for several days unless it's going to rain. Water them every two to three weeks during prolonged periods of no rain.

The bottom line: Planning ahead in the fall can bring bountiful spring views.