Wildflower 'Prairie Blanketflower'

Prairie Blanketflower (Gaillardia)

Also known as Firewheel, Prairie Blanketflower is a stunning North American annual wildflower that brings vibrant, sunset hues to your garden. Each bloom features a distinctive cone centre, similar to Echinacea, surrounded by petals boldly tipped in gold. This drought-resistant beauty is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and a fantastic addition to cut flower arrangements. To keep the blooms coming and prevent mildew, simply deadhead regularly and try to avoid overhead watering. While Gaillardia will happily self-sow, it's not invasive, ensuring a delightful return each year.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

SITE: Full Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1/8 "

GERMINATION: 7-20 Days at 21°C

HEIGHT: 24-36"

MATURITY:  70 - 90 Days

SPACING: 6-12"

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:
Direct seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after your last frost date, or in late autumn in regions with mild winters. Plant seeds ¼" deep, spacing them 6-12" apart. Lightly cover the seeds as some light aids germination.

Transplanting (alternative): For earlier blooms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant seeds ¼" deep in seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide ample light. Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, harden them off for 7-10 days before transplanting outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Soil Preference: Prairie Blanketflower thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil, even tolerating poor to average soil conditions. Avoid overly rich or consistently wet soils, as this can lead to leggy growth or root issues.

Pinching: To encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooming, pinch back young plants when they are about 6-8 inches tall. Simply snip off the top inch or two of the main stem with your fingers or clean snips. Deadheading spent flowers will also promote continuous blooming.

Fertilizing: For best results, top dress your plants with a thin layer of well-rotted manure or compost just as flowering begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.