Blanketflower – Indian Perennial

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Growing Indian Perennial Blanketflower from Seed

Indian Perennial Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), also known as Common Blanketflower, is a hardy native perennial valued for its bright red, orange, and yellow daisy-like flowers and long blooming season.

Blanketflower grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly adaptable to sandy, rocky, gravelly, and loamy soils and performs well in areas where many plants struggle. Once established, it is drought tolerant and requires relatively little supplemental water.

Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils and areas that remain saturated for extended periods. Blanketflower is well suited to native plantings, pollinator gardens, meadows, borders, naturalized areas, and cut-flower gardens.

The colorful flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making Blanketflower a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly plantings.

Blanketflower can establish relatively quickly under favorable conditions. As with most perennials, flowering time will vary depending on planting date, temperature, moisture, and growing conditions. Some plants may flower during the first year, while others may spend more time establishing before producing their best display.

Native Range

Blanketflower is native to western and central North America, including the Pacific Northwest. Its native range extends from south-central Canada through much of the northern and western United States, with populations also occurring farther south in parts of California, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Pacific Northwest Planting

For gardeners in the Pacific Northwest, Blanketflower can be planted in either spring or fall.

Spring planting is a reliable option once soil conditions are suitable. Sow seed directly into a prepared, weed-free planting area and cover the seed lightly with soil.

Keep the planting area consistently moist during germination and early establishment. Once established, Blanketflower is drought tolerant and well suited to the dry summer conditions common throughout much of the Northwest.

Fall planting can also be successful. Sow after the heat of summer has passed and temperatures have cooled. Provide moisture if fall conditions are dry and allow the plants adequate time to establish before winter.

Spring Planting

Sow Blanketflower seed directly outdoors once the soil can be worked and conditions are suitable.

Prepare a firm, weed-free seed bed and sow the seed shallowly, covering it lightly with soil. Keep the seed bed consistently moist during germination and early growth.

No special scarification treatment is required.

Fall Planting

Fall planting can be a good option for Blanketflower in the Pacific Northwest.

Sow after the hottest part of summer has passed and temperatures have cooled. Cover lightly with soil and provide moisture if conditions are dry.

For areas with wet winters, choose a well-drained planting location. Avoid sites where water remains standing for extended periods.

Planting in Other Regions

Blanketflower is adaptable to a wide range of climates and is generally suited to USDA Zones 3–9.

In colder climates, spring planting is a reliable option once the soil can be worked. Fall planting can also be successful where conditions allow adequate establishment before winter.

In regions with mild winters, both fall and spring planting can be successful.

In warmer climates, plant during a cooler period and provide adequate moisture during germination and establishment. Full sun is preferred, although some afternoon shade may be helpful in areas with intense summer heat.

Regardless of region, choose a well-drained planting site and avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

Larger Quantities

For quantities larger than those currently listed for sale, please contact us for availability and pricing.

Seeding Rates

Broadcast seeding rate: 24–30 pounds per acre

Seed drill rate: 12 pounds per acre