How to Grow Blanket Flower (Gaillardia Grandiflora)

Blanket flowers bloom in summer, come in warm colors of red, orange, and gold and have a daisylike look.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Trowels
• Mulch
• Plants

Choosing Blanket Flower

1. Look for plants at nurseries in spring and summer; in warmer climates they'll be available into fall.

2. Buy blanket flower in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaves and flower buds.

Planting Blanket Flower

1. Plant blanket flower in full sun in well-drained soil.

2. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

3. Place the plants no deeper than they were growing in the containers.

4. 

   Set the plants 9 to 12 inches apart.

5. 

   Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost.

6. 

   Water well until soil is completely moist.

Caring for Blanket Flower

1. Deadhead (cut off old flowers) with bypass pruners to encourage more blooms.

2. Cut old stems back to the ground in late spring using bypass pruners.

3. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in spring; follow package directions.

4. Mulch around but not on top of the plants with 3 inches of organic compost in spring.