Also known as Blanket Flower · 2.1k saves
Gaillardia
Gaillardia, the genus most gardeners know as blanket flower. We track 26 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 22 most-saved Gaillardia varieties
See all 26 Gaillardia varieties →Search this genus →
5 species of Gaillardia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Gaillardia in Sow
Save the Gaillardia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Gaillardia
Whats common across all Gaillardia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 26 most-grown of them.
The Gaillardia year
- DeadheadJune–October96% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.
- DivideApril and October85% of varieties
Divide clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to maintain plant vigor.
- Spring CleanupMarch50% of varieties
Cut back old, dead foliage close to the ground before new growth begins.
- PlantApril, May, October and November38% of varieties
Plant nursery stock in spring after frost or early fall.
- FertilizeApril31% of varieties
If desired, apply a light, balanced fertilizer in spring; avoid rich soil.
- Winter PrepNovember31% of varieties
Cut stems back to 6 inches in late fall to prevent crown rot in wet winters.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Neglect deadheading
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season to prevent legginess
What goes wrong with Gaillardia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage and stippling damage | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with water or insecticidal soap |
| Leafhoppers and Thrips | Silvering or speckling of leaves, distorted tissue. | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations are severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply neem oil |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage and mushy, black roots caused by Pythium or Phytophthora in wet soils. | Improve soil drainage immediately and discard severely infected plants. |
Making more Gaillardia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
- Replant divisions immediately at the same depth.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring, taking about 2 weeks to germinate.
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination period.
- Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart after they establish.
Gaillardia questions
How many types of Gaillardia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 26 distinct Gaillardia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Gaillardia grow in?
Across its varieties, Gaillardia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Gaillardia bloom?
Most Gaillardia varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to fall, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gaillardia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.