Gaillardia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 19th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Gaillardia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Gaillardia are vibrant and long-blooming. Their stunning red, orange, and yellow tones make them a showstopper in any garden.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: Locate in areas with thrive full sun and a well-drained soil. Tolerant of heat and drought, making them ideal for warmer climates.
- General Care: Water Blanket flowers regularly until established, they will become more drought-tolerant. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Gaillardia is a great choice for beginners as they are resilient and have minimal care needs. Its vibrant colors and extended bloom time provide ample reward for minimal effort.
Blanket Flower, Indian blanket, & Firewheel: Cultivation & Garden Use
Plants belonging to the Gaillardia genus may be hardy annuals or perennials and range in height from 15 cm to 75 cm (annuals) or 40 cm to one meter (perennial Gaillardia).
Gaillardia have grayish green leaves and bloom from summer through to autumn.
The flowers are reminiscent of daisies; they have a central eye and the petals may be red, yellow or orange.
Some common names for plants belonging to this genus include Blanket Flower and Indian Blanket.
Gaillardia pulchella - Indian blanket by Euthman; creative commons.
How to Grow Blanket Flower and other Gaillardia Plants in the Garden
When growing Blanket flowers from seed, sow on the surface in the spring (perennial Gaillardia). Or just after the last frost or in autumn (annual Gaillardia).
Gaillardia plants should be spaced from 30 cm to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart in the garden, depending upon size of the plant.
Ideally blanket flower will grow in a sunny part of the garden, that has a moist loamy soil.
If starting off indoors, then sow annuals about a month in advance. Sow perennial species about 6 weeks in advance.
It should take from one week (annuals) to three weeks (perennial) for Gaillardia seeds to germinate, at a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade (68°F). Germinate in the light.
Transplant annuals into the garden just after the last frost. Perennials should be transplanted out towards the end of spring.
Gaillardia aristata by Matt Lavin.
Caring for Gaillardia Plants
It is quite easy to look after Gaillardia plant species such as Indian blanket and Blanket flowers.
Taller Gaillardia varieties should be staked. Supply a feed of manure in the spring. Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Deadhead old flowers to prolong the blooming period. Cut back for a second bloom.
To maintain vigor divide perennials every couple of years.
If you require more plants, then propagate by division in autumn or take cuttings from the roots in the spring. Annuals should be grown from seed.
-
Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
-
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.
Gaillardia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Blanket Flower, Firewheel, Perfume ball, Sundance, Indian blanket, Common Gaillardia. Blanket flower: Common; Lanceleaf; Winkler's; Arizona; Onion; yellow; Parry's.Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual. Hardy perennial.
Height: 6 to 28 inches (15 to 70 cm).
Native: Americas.
Growing Region: USA: Zones 1 to 10. As a perennial in zones 4 to 9; UK Hardiness: H5 Flowers: Summer and autumn.
Flower Details: Yellow, orange, brown, red/violet. Daisy-like ray and disc florets. Fragrant.
Foliage: Lanceolate. Grey-green.
Sow Outside: Surface. Following last frost; annuals can also be sown in autumn in warm climates. Spacing 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one to three weeks in the light. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Four to six weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost; perennials should be put out three weeks after the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Soil pH 6 to 7.5. Average and poor soils; best in sandy soils. Likes dry soils. One spring feed. Add manure top dressing to annuals in the summer. Deadhead regularly for prolonged blooms. Propagate: divide perennials in spring in cool areas or autumn in warmer areas. Cutting from the roots can be taken in spring.
Common Questions
How many members does the Gaillardia genus have?
The Gaillardia genus consists of about 30 species.
Do members of Gaillardia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Gaillardia, also known as Blanket Flowers, are loved for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms, and are excellent for gardens and landscapes.
Which Gaillardia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Gaillardia x grandiflora, a hybrid between G. aristata and G. pulchella, is commonly grown due to its beautiful, large flowers.
Are members of the Gaillardia plant genus fragrant?
Generally, Gaillardia flowers are not particularly known for having a fragrance.
What is the perfect location to grow Gaillardia?
Gaillardia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is highly tolerant of heat and drought.
Is Gaillardia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Gaillardia is not recognized as an invasive species in the USA.
How do I remove Gaillardia plants from my garden?
Gaillardia can be removed by digging out the plant, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible.
Summary
The Gaillardia plant genus belongs to the Asteraceae family. They are native to North and South America and are cherished for their vibrant and long-lasting flowers.
To grow Gaillardia, plant seeds or seedlings in the spring in full sun and well-drained soil. These plants are drought-tolerant and thrive in poor soil conditions, making them easy to care for. Deadhead the flowers regularly to encourage a longer blooming season.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Gaillardia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asteraceae growing guides: How to grow Tasselflower and ?Rudbeckia plants.
Elevate Your Gardening Game
Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!
Find the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
Genus Index G
