The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Gaillardia cvs. (blanket flower) is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
blanket flower
Gaillardia cvs.
Blanket flower is an incredibly attractive and easy to maintain perennial, favored by gardeners for its bright, bold colors and its ability to keep flowering in poor soil and drought conditions. The flowers of this species sprout from compact tufts of thin, grass-like foliage. The daisy-like blooms come in a range of shades including red, yellow, and orange, some with red tips or mixed petal colors. Blanket flower is relatively easy to grow and maintain, and will come back for many years. They prefer full sun and moderate to low water requirements.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
4
Flowers:
Showy, Yellow, Red, (Disc florets red or orange; ray florets commonly part red near base and part golden towards tips) Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun
Soil:
Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Water blanket flower when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry to the touch. In hot, dry weather, it may need to be watered once a week. When direct rainfall is not sufficient, supplement with 1-2 inches of water from a watering can or a garden hose. Try not to over-water, as too much water can cause the root system to become waterlogged. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering sessions.
sunlight
The blanket flower (Gaillardia cvs.) prefers to be grown in a location that receives full sun for a minimum of 6-8 hours a day. When planted in a location with partial shade, the plant will need to receive a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Placing the blanket flower in a spot that does not get enough sunlight will cause the plant to produce fewer flowers and become lanky and leggy.
pruning
Blanket flower (Gaillardia cvs.) is a low-maintenance, heat tolerant perennial that flowers throughout much of the summer. Pruning can be beneficial to encourage vigorous growth, neat form and future blooms. Pruning should be done in stages, first cutting in early spring (early March or April) and then pruning again in midsummer (July or August). In early spring, pruning can help remove dead winter growth and improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. Cut the old flower stems and seed heads back to the ground. Also cut away faded foliage and any damaged canes or branches. In midsummer pruning is beneficial for removing spent flowers and maintain size and shape. Prune lightly, only removing spent flower heads and a third of the longest stems. Also take off any dead, damaged, or weak branches during this time. Blanket flower can also benefit from tip pruning throughout the growing season. This is where the tips of each stem is pinched off (about 1 inch of growth). This encourages side-shoot growth, leading to more flowers. Finally, it is important to fertilize before and after pruning to promote strong and healthy growth.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Gaillardia cvs. typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
Starts Flowering
Gaillardia cvs. typically start flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.
Harvest Fruit
The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Gaillardia cvs. (blanket flower) is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Should blanket flowers be deadheaded?
Yes, blanket flowers should be deadheaded as this will encourage new growth and help create more blooms during their blooming season. Deadheading is the removal of any spent or wilted flowers, typically by gently pinching them off the stem with your fingers or by using clean and sharp pruners. This helps promote new growth and will keep the flowers looking tidy and healthy while also aiding in the blooming process.
Could blanket flowers be used as cut flowers?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia species) are an ideal choice for cut flowers. These flowers are bright and cheery, with unique and eye-catching blooms. Unlike many other wildflowers and garden plants, blanket flowers have long-lasting blooms that can easily last up to two weeks when cut. They are also very drought-tolerant, meaning they won’t quickly wilt when placed in water. Additionally, blanket flowers come in a variety of colors and shapes, and can be arranged in a variety of ways, making them very versatile in flower arranging and bouquet making.
Should blanket flowers be planted in groups or singly?
Blanket flowers, also known as gaillardia, look the best when planted in groups of three or more. Planting them in groups helps to create an eye-catching wave of blooms throughout your garden and an overall more natural look. On the other hand, if you want a more manicured look in your garden, you could plant blanket flowers singly. However, it's important to note that blanket flowers thrive best when planted in groups, as they are natively designed to grow in clusters.
Are blanket flowers invasive?
No, blanket flowers (Gaillardia spp.) are not considered invasive. These plants are actually native to North America and parts of Mexico and can often be found in areas such as meadows, roadsides, and open woodlands. Blanket flowers are also a popular garden plant due to their ease of care and tolerant nature to less than ideal soil conditions. They should not cause any damage to nearby ecosystems and can be a great addition to any garden.
Could blanket flowers be used in a wildflower meadow?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) can be used in a wildflower meadow. These drought-tolerant flowers are quite hardy and full of bright colors such as red, orange and yellow, adding an extra splash of color. Blanket flowers tend to attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, adding to their appeal as a great way to add both beauty and pollinators to a wildflower meadow. Furthermore, they are typically low-maintenance and require little to no care. This makes them an excellent choice for novice gardeners who want to enjoy the wildflower meadow look without too much work.
Should blanket flowers be mulched?
Yes, blanket flowers should be mulched. Mulching blanket flowers helps to insulate the roots from extreme temperatures, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. It also adds organic matter which helps to maintain healthy soil structure. Blanket flowers should be mulched with an organic mulch such as bark chips, wood chips, dried leaves, or straw. The mulch should be about two to three inches deep and kept away from the base of the plant.
Are blanket flowers self-seeding?
Yes, blanket flowers are self-seeding. This means that when the flower’s petals drop off, the seed pods are left behind. These pod will then eventually dry up and when the conditions are right the seeds will sprout and the process of self-seeding will begin again. This means that blanket flowers can easily spread and naturalize if the conditions are right.
Do blanket flowers attract pollinators?
Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia pulchella) do attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The long-lasting, daisy-like flowers produce copious amounts of nectar that are a great attraction for these insects. Additionally, the bright colors of the flowers also help to draw in pollinators from far away. This species of flower is even known for attracting predatory wasps in to its flowers, which helps to keep insect pests under control as well.
