Gilia – Bird’s Eye

Bird’s Eye Gilia (Gilia tricolor) is a charming annual wildflower native to California and parts of the western United States. It is known for its unique, eye-catching blooms featuring soft lavender petals, a yellow throat, and a dark purple center — giving it the name “Bird’s Eye.”

This flower thrives in full sun but can tolerate light partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil with average nutrient levels and performs well even in sandy or rocky soils, making it ideal for wildflower meadows and low-maintenance gardens. Bird’s Eye Gilia is adaptable to a wide range of climate conditions and is more cold-tolerant than many other annuals.

Seeds should be sown directly into the ground, as Gilia does not transplant well due to its delicate root system. It’s best to sow seeds outdoors in cooler climates, either in early spring or in the fall in USDA zones 7 through 10. Fall planting allows for earlier germination and flowering in areas with mild winters.

Bird’s Eye Gilia is a valuable pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It typically grows 12 to 18 inches tall and blooms from late spring into early summer, providing a vibrant burst of color in naturalized areas, borders, or container plantings.

The Gilia genus includes over 100 species, many of which are native to North America and prized for their drought tolerance and ecological value. Bird’s Eye Gilia is especially well-suited to wildflower mixes and restoration projects, as it reseeds readily and thrives in tough conditions.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 4 – 5 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 2 pounds per acre.