95 gardener saves
Gilia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Gilia varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWhite Bird's Eyes
Gilia tricolor 'Alba'
#2 most savedGlobe Gilia
Gilia capitata
#3 most savedBird's Eyes
Gilia tricolor 'Bird's Eyes'
How to grow Gilia
What the Gilia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Gilia year
- PlantFebruary and March100% of varieties
Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last hard frost.
- HarvestJuly100% of varieties
Allow seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting seeds for next year.
- DeadheadMay and June100% of varieties
Remove faded blooms to extend the flowering period.
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season
- Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 💧
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering 🌞
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize in late fall to prevent unnecessary growth
- Never neglect pest inspection during peak season
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly-drained clay soil
What goes wrong with Gilia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and curled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves | Increase humidity and apply miticide if needed |
| Root Rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
Making more Gilia
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination, approximately 2 weeks.
Cuttings
- Select healthy stems and cut 4-inch sections.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain high humidity and wait for roots to develop, about 6 weeks.
Gilia questions
How many types of Gilia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Gilia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 95 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Gilia grow in?
Across its varieties, Gilia 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 Gilia bloom?
Most Gilia varieties bloom in late spring, early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Gilia 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.
Keep exploring
Design with Gilia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
