Blanket Flower Gaillardia Seeds

Gaillardia is a richly colored perennial that blooms for long periods. Great for containers and borders, this flower is a showstopper with its bright colors. Deadhead to prolong blooms.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Gaillardia is a hardy perennial plant that blooms almost year-round in mild climates of Zones 9 and 10. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. For mild winter areas, you can plant seeds in pots in the early spring to be transplanted out when the soil warms up mid-spring.

Zones 2-8

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow once the danger of frost has passed.

Planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

• In Zones 9 and 10, you can direct seed or transplant out your gaillardia plants. 
• To direct sow, plant seeds in debris-free, well-worked soil that has been deeply watered. Cover with 1/8” of finely sifted soil. 
• If you are planting seeds in starter pots, plant seeds into thoroughly moist high-quality seed starting soil. Place seeds on top of the soil and cover with 1/8” of finely sifted soil.
• When the plants are 3-4” tall, you can plant them out into the garden. plant in full sun. Space at least 12” apart.

Growing Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

• Gaillardia is adaptable to various soil types but needs good drainage and can benefit from some fertilizer. In Zones 9 and 10, adding compost will help create a healthy soil structure and keep soil moist. 
• Mulching heavily around your plants will also help with weed suppression and moisture retention. 

Harvesting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)

• Gaillardia may be harvested for cut flowers. If left on the plant, gaillardia blooms and seed heads will provide food for local wildlife.

Growing Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Containers

• You can grow gaillardia in a container but make sure your container is at least 10” deep. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture. Mulch heavily on the top layer of soil in the pot to keep the soil from drying out or heating up too much. 

Southern California Pro-tips

• Gaillardia is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from some irrigation in very dry areas.
• Mulch heavily around your gaillardia plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or overheat.
• Do not overhead water as this promotes foliar diseases. 

Companion Flowers/Crops

• We like to plant gaillardia with our veggies to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden. Plant them near the base of taller growing crops like pole beans and cucumbers while ensuring they have adequate spacing and sunlight to grow happily! Borage and nasturtium are also must-have flowers for the vegetable garden. Shop all our flowers here!

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to garden flowers at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.