Planting Instructions for Gaillardia annua (Annual Blanket Flower) Seeds
- Location: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Gaillardia thrives in heat and tolerates poor, sandy soils.
- When to Plant:
- Outdoors: Sow Todd’s Seeds Gaillardia, Annua seeds after the last frost in spring.
- Indoors: Start 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost.
- Soil Prep: Loosen soil and mix in compost if desired. Ideal soil pH is 6.0–7.0.
- Sowing Depth: Sow seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Do not cover—seeds need light to germinate.
- Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 10–12 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil lightly moist during germination (7–14 days). Once established, water sparingly. Gaillardia is drought-tolerant.
- Care: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. No fertilizer is needed in average soil.
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall. Gaillardia annua produces bright, daisy-like flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Excellent for borders, containers, and wildflower gardens.