Annual Gaillardia is known as Blanket Flower and is native to Northern Mexico. They make great cut flowers and look spectacular planted en masse in the hot, sunny conditions in which they thrive. Continue reading for some tips on how to grow Gaillardia from seed.
Latin
Gaillardia pulchella
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Timing
Direct sowing is easiest, and is done after last frost, or in the autumn in places where winter is mild. They can also be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. These would be transplanted out once daytime temperatures are consistently above 10Β°C (50Β°F). Seeds will germinate in 7-20 days. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 21Β°C (70Β°F).
Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil. Transplant or thin to stand 15-30cm (6-12β³) apart.
Growing
Feed once, just as flowering begins, and top-dress with well-rotted manure once in summer. Deadhead regularly. Water regularly during dry spells, keeping leaves as dry as possible β this can be done in the early morning, so leaves dry off by noon. Gaillardia will self sow.