Learning how to grow blanket flower is a fairly simple process. They are easily started from seeds or may be purchased as seedlings for a garden display of blooms in red and yellow colors of the traditional Indian blanket.
Blanket Flowers in the Garden
Gaillardia aristata is a resilient wildflower, often used in roadside plantings for its ease of naturalizing and care. Cultivars ‘Goblin’, ‘Burgundy Wheels’ and Arizona Sun’ drop seeds for more of the growing blanket flowers and are parented by G. aristata. The perennial blanket flower, Gaillardia grandiflora is available in different cultivars, such as the recently introduced ‘Oranges and Lemons’, ‘Dazzler’ and ‘The Sun’. Flower stems reach 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm.) and bloom from early summer until frost arrives when getting proper blanket flowers care. Gaillardia pulchella is an annual version of blanket flowers, sharing the characteristics of long bloom and easy blanket flowers care. When crossed with G. arista, versions of G. grandiflora are created.
How to Grow Blanket Flowers
Sow seeds into a well-draining soil and cover slightly. Although drought tolerant once established, care of blanket flowers includes keeping the seeds moist until germination occurs. Once established, occasional watering should become a part of blanket flowers’ care. This assists in a longer display of the colorful blooms. Care of blanket flowers includes planting in a full sun location to keep this fast growing specimen happy. As a native plant to the central United States and Mexico, blanket flower is a heat loving flower that attracts butterflies. Growing blanket flowers are drought tolerant and do not like wet feet from soggy soil. They are also quite cold hardy, and will usually survive in areas as cold as USDA zone 5 or even 3. Now that you are familiar with growing blanket flowers, you can add then to a bed or border for eye catching color. Growing blanket flowers can naturalize in a meadow or field adding hues of color. Easy care of blanket flowers makes them an ideal specimen for many landscape uses.
