Gaillardia Pulchella - Indian Blanket

🗓️ When to Sow

• Outdoors (best method):

  • Spring, after last frost

  • Fall, in mild climates (for earlier spring blooms)

• Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before last frost (optional for early flowering)

🌿 Gaillardia is very easy to grow by direct sowing and is drought-tolerant once established.

🌱 Direct Sowing (Recommended)

1. Choose a Site

   • Full sun — at least 6 hours/day

   • Well-drained soil — tolerates sandy or poor soils

2. Prepare the Soil

   • Loosen and rake to a fine texture

   • Lightly moisten soil before sowing

3. Sow the Seeds

   • Surface sow — scatter seeds and press them gently into the soil

   • Do not cover — seeds need light to germinate

4. Watering

   • Mist gently or use a fine spray to keep soil moist during germination

   • Water lightly until seedlings are established

5. Germination

   • Takes 7–14 days at temperatures around 18–22°C (65–72°F)

6. Spacing

   • Thin seedlings to 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) apart

🌱 Indoor Sowing (Optional)

1. Sow in trays or pots with seed-starting mix

2. Surface sow, press in — do not cover

3. Keep moist and warm (18–22°C / 65–72°F)

4. Transplant after hardening off

🌿 Growing Notes

• Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

• Bloom Time: Late spring to fall (blooms first year)

• Water: Low to moderate — very drought-tolerant

• Deadheading: Prolongs blooming but is not essential

• Soil Needs: Avoid rich, wet soil — may lead to root rot