Gaillardia, Arizona Sun

Gaillardia: Direct Sow or Potted Plant Perennial

How to Sow and Plant

Gaillardia may be grown from seed sown directly in the garden in summer, or planted as a potted plant.

Sowing Directly in the Garden:

• Direct sow in full sun in poor but well-drained soil after danger of frost.
• Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
• Sow seeds evenly and thinly and cover with ¼ inch of fine soil.
• Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
• Seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions.
• Thin to stand about 15 inches apart when large enough to handle.

Planting Potted Plants:

• Choose a location in full sun with poor but well-drained soil.
• Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 6-12 inches removing any debris, and lightly raking as level as possible.
• Plant on a cloudy day or in late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.
• Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.
• Unpot the plant and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root growth.
• Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.
• Use the plant tag as a location marker.
• Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

How to Grow

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their germination.
• Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For perennials, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time.  Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
• Careful watering is essential in getting perennials off to a good start. Water thoroughly at least once a week to help new roots grow down deeply. Soil should be damp at about 1 inch below the soil surface. You can check this by sticking your finger in the soil. Water early in the morning to give all leaves enough time to dry. One inch of rain or watering per week is recommended for most perennial plants. You can check to see if you need to add water by using a rain gauge. Gaillardia is drought-tolerant once it is established.
• Until plants become established, some protection from extreme winds and direct, hot sunlight may be necessary.  Good air movement is also important.
• Deadhead plants for continuous bloom.
• Divide the plants every 2 or 3 years in spring or fall.
• Plants prefer poor soils, be careful to not overfertilize.

Growing Tips

• Many gardeners do not cut back perennial flower seed heads in the fall, but wait until early spring before the new foliage appears. This provides food for wildlife over the winter.
• Gaillardia is excellent for the middle of the border, in the cottage garden and for naturalizing in a wildflower meadow. They are quite striking when planted en masse.
• Gaillardia makes a fine cut flower.