Gaillardia: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow gaillardia outdoors?
Sow gaillardia in spring when the soil warms and hard frosts no longer threaten seedlings. Check the species or selection: the genus includes annuals and perennials, and their sowing requirements are not identical. Choose a sunny, well-drained position. Remove weeds and large stones, then rake the surface fine without heavily enriching soil that is already fertile.
Scatter seed thinly over a lightly firmed seedbed. Avoid deep drills. Some selections are surface-sown because light encourages germination, while others accept a very thin covering. Follow the instructions for your particular seed and ensure good contact with the soil. Water gently without washing seeds away, then maintain steady moisture without waterlogging. An established gaillardia tolerates drought better than a germinating seed or newly emerged seedling.
Watch for emergence rather than treating seven to fourteen days as a guarantee. Thin once seedlings have several true leaves, allowing room for their adult habit: around thirty centimetres may suit compact forms, with more space for broader plants. Remove competing weeds and look for slugs. A late direct sowing will not necessarily flower as early as an already developed plant.
When and how do you plant gaillardias?
When do gaillardias flower and how do you care for them in bloom?
How to care for this plant
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Remove faded flowers
To encourage further flowering, remove faded flowers with their short stalks without damaging buds. Leave any heads you want to set seed or keep for wildlife.
