Guide to growing Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
Plants belonging to the Gaillardia genus may be hardy annuals or perennials and range in height from 15cm to 75cm (annuals) or 40cm to one metre (perennial Gaillardia).
Gaillardia have greyish 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 Gaillardia include Blanket Flower and Indian Blanket.
How to grow Blanket Flower
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 should be spaced from 30cm to 45cm apart 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 Gaillardia indoors then sow annuals about a month in advance and perennial species about 6 weeks in advance. It should take from one week (annuals) to three weeks (perennial) for Gaillardia to germinate at a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade in the light. Transplant annuals into the garden just after the last frost; perennials should be transplanted out towards the end of spring.
Caring for Gaillardia
It is quite easy to look after Gaillardia 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; dead head old flowers to prolong the blooming period; cut back for a second bloom. To maintain vigour divide perennials every couple of years. If you require more plants then propagate Gaillardia by division in autumn or take cuttings from the roots in the spring; annuals should be grown from seed.