Spring planting doesn’t start when the air feels warm, It...Read More
Blanketflower is a vibrant perennial that showcases fiery red, orange, and yellow daisy-like flowers from early summer through fall. Known for its heat and drought tolerance, this plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Blanketflower attracts bees and butterflies while adding a pop of bold color to borders, wildflower meadows, or containers. Growing up to 2 feet tall, it’s a great option for extending the blooming season and creating a lively, pollinator-friendly space with minimal effort!
NAME: Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)
VARIETY: Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)
DAYS TO MATURITY: 90+ days
POLLINATION: Open Pollinated
TYPE: Perennial
HARDINESS ZONE: Zones 3 – 10
SUNLIGHT: Full Sun
SOIL: Dry, well-draining soil with a pH 5.5 – 7.9
PLANT HEIGHT: 12 – 24 inches
SPACING: 12 – 18 inches apart
TEMP: 45 – 95ºF
These seeds do not required stratification.
To learn more about Stratification, click here!
Begin seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last local frost date.
Sow seeds directly on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as Blanketflower seeds need light to germinate. Press seeds lightly into the soil but do not cover.
Maintain soil temperatures of 70-75°F; expect germination in 10-20 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin to one per cell, and harden off before transplanting outdoors.
Direct sow outdoors in the spring after the last frost or in early fall.
Choose a location with full sun and well-draining, moderately fertile soil. Loosen the soil surface and sprinkle seeds lightly, pressing them in to ensure contact.
Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until seeds sprout, usually within 1-3 weeks.
Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they’ve grown their first set of true leaves
Light: Full sun is essential for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Soil: Blanketflower thrives in dry, well-draining soils, including sandy or rocky soils. Avoid clay or other soils that retain excess moisture.
Water: Water young plants regularly until they establish, but once mature, Blanketflower is highly drought-tolerant. Overwatering may lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Not typically necessary. Over-fertilizing can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers.
Pruning: Deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous blooming and prevents self-seeding. In midsummer, you can also cut back plants by half to encourage fresh growth and a bushier shape.
Decorative Use: Cut Blanketflower stems when blooms are fully open, typically from early summer through fall.
Blanketflowers are excellent as cut flowers for vibrant summer arrangements. Regular harvesting encourages more blooms, which will continue until the first frost.
