Gaillardia Growing Guide
Gaillardia pulchella
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Well-drained soil of average fertility.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Once established, many varieties will persist as short-lived perennials in areas with moderate winters.
Feeding
Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil prior to planting. Gaillardias only need a modest supply of nitrogen.
Companions
The strongest bloom time is midsummer to autumn. Gaillardias team up well with black-eyed susans and other bright flowers. Colours include red, yellow, and many bicolours.
Spacing
Single Plants: 30cm (11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 30cm (11") row gap (minimum)
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 areas, gaillardia needs a head start indoors if the plants are to bloom well their first year.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Gaillardia blossoms attract bees and butterflies, and the plants will bloom for eight weeks or more if old flowers are removed.
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.
Troubleshooting
Gaillardia has few pest problems.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Gaillardia