Gaillardia - Blanket Flower

Gaillardia Seeds – Perennial Blanket Flower

Grow bold summer colour with Gaillardia seeds, also known as Blanket Flower. This hardy perennial produces bright, daisy-like blooms in warm shades of red, orange and yellow, creating an eye-catching display from summer into early fall.

Gaillardia thrives in sunny, dry conditions and is particularly well suited to prairie-style gardens, wildflower plantings, sunny borders and pollinator gardens. Once established, the plants are drought tolerant and require relatively little maintenance.

Each packet contains 50+ seeds. Explore more varieties in our Wildflower Seeds collection or browse our complete selection of Perennial Plant Seeds.

Gaillardia Growing Information

Growing Detail	Information
Common Name	Blanket Flower
Genus	Gaillardia
Seed Count	50+ seeds
Plant Type	Perennial wildflower
Flower Colour	Red, orange and yellow
Plant Height	Approximately 12–24 inches
Bloom Season	June–September
Sun Exposure	Full sun
Seed Depth	Barely cover; seeds require light for germination
Germination	Approximately 14–21 days
Indoor Sowing	6–8 weeks before the last frost
Outdoor Sowing	After the last frost where summers are mild
Plant Spacing	Approximately 12–18 inches
Best Uses	Wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, sunny borders and prairie-style plantings

What Is Gaillardia?

Gaillardia, commonly called Blanket Flower, is a flowering plant known for its brightly coloured, daisy-like blooms and ability to tolerate hot, dry growing conditions.

Its flowers typically combine warm shades of red, orange and yellow, making Gaillardia a strong choice for gardeners looking for long-lasting summer colour.

Gaillardia is especially useful in naturalized and low-maintenance gardens. Its tolerance for dry conditions makes it a good addition to sunny spaces where more moisture-dependent flowers may struggle.

Gardeners building a mixed naturalized planting can find additional varieties in our Wildflower Seeds collection.

How to Grow Gaillardia From Seed

Gaillardia can be started indoors before the final spring frost or direct sown outdoors once conditions have warmed.

Because the seeds benefit from light during germination, sow them near the soil surface and cover them only very lightly. Keep the growing medium consistently moist while the seeds germinate, but avoid keeping the soil saturated.

Under suitable conditions, germination generally occurs within approximately 14–21 days.

Once seedlings are established, provide plenty of sunlight and avoid overwatering. Mature Gaillardia plants perform particularly well in warm, sunny locations with well-draining soil.

Starting Gaillardia Seeds Indoors

Start Gaillardia seeds indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before your expected last frost.

Fill trays or small containers with a seed-starting mix and sow the seeds near the surface. Press them lightly into the growing medium and cover only minimally.

Keep the mix evenly moist during germination and provide strong light once seedlings emerge. Harden seedlings off gradually before transplanting them into their permanent outdoor location.

Direct Sowing Gaillardia

Gaillardia can also be direct sown after the danger of frost has passed.

Prepare a sunny planting area with loose, well-draining soil. Sow seeds close to the soil surface, press them gently into place and water carefully so the seeds are not displaced.

Once seedlings become established, thin or transplant them to approximately 12–18 inches apart.

How Much Sun Does Gaillardia Need?

Gaillardia performs best in full sun.

Choose a location that receives several hours of direct sunlight each day. Strong sunlight supports vigorous plants and abundant flowering throughout the summer.

Gaillardia's preference for sunny, open conditions makes it particularly suitable for prairie gardens, exposed borders and naturalized landscapes.

Soil and Water Requirements

Plant Gaillardia in soil that drains freely.

Once established, Blanket Flower is drought tolerant and generally performs better with moderate watering than with consistently wet soil. Avoid locations where water remains around the roots for long periods.

Water young plants regularly while they establish. Mature plants can generally tolerate periods of dry weather much more effectively.

Is Gaillardia Good for Pollinators?

Gaillardia's open, daisy-like flowers make it a useful addition to gardens designed to support visiting pollinators.

Plant it alongside other flowering species to provide a diverse display through the growing season. You can find additional suitable varieties in our Pollinator Plants collection.

Its long flowering period also makes Gaillardia useful in mixed wildflower beds where gardeners want continuous summer colour.

Does Gaillardia Come Back Every Year?

Gaillardia is grown as a perennial, meaning established plants can return in subsequent growing seasons where conditions are suitable.

Good drainage is particularly important for perennial performance. Avoid planting Gaillardia in persistently wet soil, especially in locations where excess winter moisture can accumulate.

For gardeners building longer-lasting flower beds, browse more Perennial Plant Seeds.

Gaillardia in Containers

Blanket Flower can also be grown in larger containers that receive plenty of sunlight.

Choose a container with good drainage and use a loose potting mix. Avoid allowing the container to remain constantly wet.

Its warm flower colours make Gaillardia particularly effective in sunny mixed containers alongside other drought-tolerant flowering plants.

Quick Planting Instructions

• Start indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
• Sow close to the surface and cover only lightly.
• Keep evenly moist during germination.
• Expect germination in approximately 14–21 days.
• Transplant into full sun.
• Space plants approximately 12–18 inches apart.
• Use well-draining soil.
• Water regularly while young, then reduce watering once established.
• Expect flowering primarily from June through September.

Gaillardia FAQs

Is Gaillardia the same as Blanket Flower?

Yes. Blanket Flower is the common name commonly used for plants in the Gaillardia genus.

Is Gaillardia annual or perennial?

This Gaillardia is sold as a perennial wildflower and can return in subsequent growing seasons when planted in suitable conditions.

When should I start Gaillardia seeds?

Seeds can be started indoors approximately 6–8 weeks before the last frost or direct sown outdoors after frost danger has passed.

Do Gaillardia seeds need light to germinate?

Yes. Sow the seeds near the surface and cover them only lightly because light supports germination.

How long do Gaillardia seeds take to germinate?

Germination typically takes approximately 14–21 days under suitable growing conditions.

Does Gaillardia need full sun?

Yes. Gaillardia grows and flowers best in a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Is Gaillardia drought tolerant?

Yes. Once established, Gaillardia is well adapted to relatively dry growing conditions.

Does Gaillardia attract pollinators?

Its open flowers can attract visiting pollinators, making it a useful addition to mixed pollinator and wildflower gardens.

Explore More Wildflowers and Perennials

Create a diverse naturalized garden by pairing Blanket Flower with other colourful varieties from our Wildflower Seeds collection.

You can also explore our Pollinator Plants, browse additional Perennial Plant Seeds, or discover the complete Circle Farms Flower Seeds collection.