Whirligig

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom. Frost tender. 

TO START OUTDOORS

Plant after frost danger is over and night temperatures are evenly above 50°F (10°C). Sow seeds in a well-worked seedbed in fullsun, 2 inches apart, with rows 12inches apart. Cover very lightly and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist; germination takes 10-15 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

3-4 weeks before last expected frost, sow seeds 1 inch apart in seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are well established. Transplant after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 12 inches apart when large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Gaillardia aka blanketflower grows easily if given good drainage and a sunny location.Once established, plants can tolerate hot and dry weather, blooming hard and literally covering the ground with a “blanket” of brilliant color. 

Pick flowers often for in-door bouquets. The blossoms attract a massive array of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. At season’s end, the spent seed heads provide nutritious food for hungry songbirds. Bonus! Deer and rabbits tend to avoid these!