Gaillardia Growing Guide

Gaillardia pulchella

Gaillardia

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Well-drained soil of average fertility.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Once established, many varieties will persist as short-lived perennials in climates with moderate winters.

Feeding

Enrich the soil with compost prior to planting. Gaillardias only need a modest supply of nitrogen.

Companions

The strongest bloom time is midsummer to fall. Gaillardias team up well with black-eyed susans and other bright flowers. Colors include red, yellow, and many bicolors.

Spacing

Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow gaillardia seeds atop moist seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. You also can sow seeds where you want the plants to grow at about the time of your last spring frost. In most climates, gaillardia needs a head start indoors if the plants are to bloom well their first year.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Gaillardia blossoms attract bees and butterflies, and the plants will bloom for eight weeks or more if old flowers are removed.

Harvesting

Gather blossoms to use as cut flowers just after they open. If you like dried flowers, harvest some of the older flowers and dry them after the petals have been removed by hanging them up in a dry, well-ventilated place.

Troubleshooting

Gaillardia has few pest problems.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Gaillardia