General
Annual Gaillardia is known as Blanket Flower in its native North America.
Latin
Gaillardia pulchella
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: 1-10
Timing
Direct sowing is easiest, and is done after last frost or in the autumn, in places where winter is mild. They can also be sown indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost — in late February on the coast. These would be transplanted out in early April. Seeds will germinate in 7-20 days. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 21°C (70°F).
Starting
Sow on the surface of the soil. Transplant or thin to stand 15-30cm (6-12″) apart.
Growing
Feed once, just as flowering begins, and top-dress with well-rotted manure once in summer. Deadhead regularly. Water regularly during dry spells, keeping leaves as dry as possible – this can be done in the early morning, so leaves dry off by noon. Gaillardia will self sow.