Growing Blanket Flower from Seed: A Complete Guide

Blanket flower (Gaillardia) is a heat- and drought-tolerant flower that adds vibrant, long-lasting color to gardens. This native North American wildflower is easy to grow from seed, making it a budget-friendly way to incorporate gorgeous flowers into your outdoor space. Here is a complete guide to growing blanket flower from seed.

Choosing the Best Blanket Flower Variety

There are several types of blanket flower suitable for growing from seed

• Annual blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella) – Grows as an annual in all climate zones. Produces flowers in shades of red, yellow, orange, and burgundy. Good varieties for seed planting include ‘Sundance’ and ‘Indian Blanket Mix’.

• Common blanket flower (Gaillardia aristata) – A perennial variety hardy in zones 3-10. Comes in colors like red, yellow, and orange. ‘Burgundy’ and ‘Blanket Flower’ are recommended.

• Hybrid blanket flower (Gaillardia x grandiflora) – A hybrid perennial hardy in zones 5-10. The most compact and longest blooming of Gaillardia varieties. Try ‘Goblin’ and ‘Single Mix’.

Consider your growing zone, desired flower color, and plant height when selecting the right blanket flower variety to grow from seed.

When to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds

Blanket flower can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on your climate. Here are some tips on timing:

In Warm Climates

• Plant seeds directly in the garden after the last spring frost date.

• Can also be planted in fall in frost-free regions.

In Cold Climates

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the final frost date. Transplant seedlings outside after hardening off.

• Perennial varieties can be sown directly in the garden in spring once soil temperatures reach 60°F.

• Sow annual varieties again in late summer for fall blooms.

How to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds Outdoors

Blanket flower seeds need light to germinate, so sow them directly on the soil surface. Follow these steps:

• Choose a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.

• Rake the top 1/4 inch of soil to create a smooth seed bed.

• Scatter seeds across the area, spacing about 12 inches apart.

• Use a sprinkling of soil or don’t cover at all. Seeds need sunlight to germinate.

• Gently water the seeds daily to keep moist. Germination takes 14-21 days.

• Thin seedlings to 12-15 inches apart once true leaves appear.

Starting Seeds Indoors

If getting a head start on growing, you can begin blanket flower seeds indoors:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date.

• Use a seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in cells or trays.

• Keep soil moist and provide bottom heat of 70°F until sprouted.

• Move seedlings to full sunlight once true leaves appear.

• Harden off plants for 7-10 days before transplanting into the garden after all danger of frost.

Ongoing Care for Blanket Flowers

Once seedlings are established, blanket flowers require minimal care:

• Provide at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Blanket flowers thrive in hot, sunny spots.

• Water 1-2 times per week until established. Then water only during extended dry periods.

• Blanket flowers are drought tolerant, but watering during first year aids root development.

• Fertilize sparingly with a balanced flower fertilizer, or use compost as a soil amendment.

• Pinch back leggy plants by 1/3 to encourage bushy growth. Time it before major flower production.

• Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering from spring to fall.

• Watch for aphids and slugs. Control with organic methods as needed.

With proper growing conditions and care, blanket flowers grown from seed will produce an abundance of colorful, robust blooms summer through fall! Enjoy these hardy plants year after year.

Tips for Growing Blanket Flowers in Containers

In addition to sowing seeds directly in garden beds, consider starting blanket flower seeds in containers. Here’s how:

• Choose containers at least 10-12” wide and deep. Use containers with drainage holes.

• Use a quality potting mix and sow several seeds in each pot. Cover lightly with soil.

• Once sprouted, thin to 1-2 seedlings per container.

• Situate containers in full sun. Rotate occasionally for even growth.

• Let soil dry out between waterings. Caution: do not overwater container plants.

• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.

• Watch for aphids, slugs, and powdery mildew. Treat organically as needed.

With proper care, blanket flowers grow well in containers and add vibrant color to patios, porches, and decks.

How to Save Blanket Flower Seeds

One of the benefits of growing blanket flowers is collecting seeds for future planting. Here’s how:

• Allow several flower heads to remain after petals fall rather than deadheading.

• Seeds will mature and dry out on plants. Seed heads will turn brown.

• When heads are completely dry, cut them off plants and place in paper bags.

• Shake and crush the bag to separate out the tiny black seeds.

• Discard chaff and store seeds in jars or envelopes in a cool, dry place.

• Label with variety and year collected. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.

Saving your own blanket flower seeds provides an endless, inexpensive source of plants for gardens year after year.

Uses for Gorgeous Blanket Flowers

Blanket flower offers multiple benefits beyond a beautiful garden display:

• Use fresh-cut blooms in bouquets, arrangements, and table centerpieces

• Plant in borders, beds, pots, and pollinator gardens to attract bees and butterflies

• Allow dried seed heads to provide food for birds in winter

• Feature in xeriscapes, rock gardens, cottage gardens, and open meadows

• Grow as an ornamental edging along pathways or vegetable gardens

• Plant among herbs like lavender and rosemary for color contrast

With its vibrancy, ruggedness, and adaptability, it’s easy to see why blanket flower is a long-time gardening favorite.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Blanket flowers are unfazed by many common garden problems, but watch for these potential issues:

• Poor germination – Ensure seeds have light and sufficient moisture to sprout.

• Leggy growth – Give plants full sun. Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness.

• Powdery mildew – Improve air circulation. Remove affected foliage promptly.

• Aster yellows – Destroy and discard any plants showing yellowed, misshapen growth.

• Few or no blooms – Amend soil with compost. Avoid over-fertilization which promotes foliage over flowers.

Inspiring Ways to Use Blanket Flowers

Looking for creative ways to showcase blanket flowers’ vibrant colors? Here are some ideas:

• Underplant roses, shrubs, or trees and allow blanket flowers to weave through the open spaces

• Create a naturalistic meadow planting combined with ornamental grasses like Muhlenbergia or Calamagrostis

• Edge a walkway or garden border with a continuous line of blanket flowers

• Pair with salvias, coneflowers, rudbeckia, and Russian sage for a bold color-rich garden

• Plant in masses along a sunny fence or property line for a carefree burst of flower color

• Intersperse in an edible landscape among vegetables, fruits, and herbs

• Feature within a pollinator-friendly garden plan that includes cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, and bee balm

With its drought-tolerant nature and vivid, lasting blooms, blanket flower is an ideal choice for gardens in arid climates. A few envelope-sized seed packets can supply you with countless flowers once you discover how easily blanket flowers grow from seed. Give it a try this season and enjoy these vibrant blossoms for years to come.