Gaillardia
Common name: Blanket Flower
Overview:
Gaillardia pulchella are half hardy annuals that are greatly desired for their masses of 75mm (3") flowers in shades of yellow, orange, copper or a deep scarlet, depending on the cultivar.
The flowers that appear from July till first frosts can sometimes be double and or bi-coloured.
These long lasting flowers attract butterflies and are useful in flower arrangements.
Plants range in height from 300-600mm (12"-24") with a similar spread making them suitable for growing in herbaceous borders and containers.
Gaillardia require hot, dry conditions and are drought tolerant meaning light well drained soils* are most suited to this plant.
Too much water in the soil can cause the plant to develop root rot, a fungal disease that can destroy the roots of the plant.
*If grown in a container / planter the soil can be designed for its needs.
Remove dead flowers to prolong the flowering period, and reduce the possibility of self seeding.
Cultivation:
Week 15:
Sow seed in pots/ trays of seed compost and germinate at at a temperature of 20°-24°C (68°-75°F).
Alternatively sow Week 20-22
Germination should take five to seven days.
Week 17:
Prick out the seedlings into cell trays or boxes when large enough to handle.
Week 19:
Place in coldframe to harden off until planting out time.
Week 21:
Plant out 300mm (12") apart in a sunny well-drained location, although they will grow reasonably well in most soils and shaded positions.