Blanketflower – Indian Perennial

Blanketflower, also known as Common Gaillardia, is native to much of the northwestern United States.  It is an excellent cut flower and is easily grown from seed.  As with most perennials, this flower may not bloom the first year it is planted, but once established it is an outstanding garden flower.  These are very drought resistant flowers that prefer well-drained, sandy soil.  They require full sun and need to be kept out of heavy clay soil.  The Blanketflower is a member of the sunflower family and may provide a strong attraction to birds and bees.  It can be started indoors, but you may find more success starting it outside.  Note that this is a perennial.  Perennials may not bloom the first year they are planted from seed.  They usually establish a plant the first year and then bloom the second year.

*Most perennials will not bloom the first year they are planted.  They establish a plant the first year and then bloom the second and every year after that.  Annuals will give you color the first year you plant them and then can reseed themselves if they like where they are growing.   This is why perennials tend to be more expensive.  It takes twice as long to get seed off of the plant than an annual when initially planting.

Here is a link to the USDA Native Plant Database pdf fact sheet on Blanketflower: Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) Plant Fact Sheet (usda.gov)

The broadcast rate for seeding is 24 – 30 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 12 pounds per acre.