Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Well-drained soil of average fertility.
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Position
Full sun.
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Frost tolerant
Once established, many varieties will persist as short-lived perennials in climates with moderate winters.
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Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. Gaillardias only need a modest supply of nitrogen.
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Companions
The strongest bloom time is midsummer to fall. Gaillardias team up well with black-eyed susans and other bright flowers. Colors include red, yellow, and many bicolors.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 11" (30cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 11" (30cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow gaillardia seeds atop moist seed starting mix and gently press them into the surface. You also can sow seeds where you want the plants to grow at about the time of your last spring frost. In most climates, gaillardia needs a head start indoors if the plants are to bloom well their first year.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Gaillardia blossoms attract bees and butterflies, and the plants will bloom for eight weeks or more if old flowers are removed.
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Harvesting
Gather blossoms to use as cut flowers just after they open. If you like dried flowers, harvest some of the older flowers and dry them after the petals have been removed by hanging them up in a dry, well-ventilated place.
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Troubleshooting
Gaillardia has few pest problems.
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