Growing Blanket Flowers: A Guide to Growing and Caring for these Stunning Blooms

Blanket flowers, also known as Gaillardia, are a popular choice among gardeners due to their stunning blooms and easy maintenance. These flowers come in a variety of colors and can add a splash of color to any garden or landscape. In this guide, we will go over the basics of growing and caring for blanket flowers.

Choosing the Right Location

When choosing a location to grow your blanket flowers, it is important to choose an area that receives plenty of sunlight. These plants thrive in full sun and require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It is also important to choose a location with well-draining soil as blanket flowers do not do well in areas with standing water.

Once you have chosen the right location, it is time to prepare the soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve the soil's texture and fertility. This will help ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Bright yellow blanket flowers

Planting Blanket Flowers

The best time to plant blanket flowers is in the spring after the last frost has passed. Before planting, make sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure to tamp down the soil around the roots.

It is important to space blanket flowers at least 12 inches apart as they can grow up to 24 inches wide. This will ensure that each plant has enough room to grow and spread out.

Red and yellow blanket flowers in full bloom

Watering and Fertilizing

Blanket flowers do not require a lot of water but do need to be watered deeply once a week during periods of drought. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.

Fertilize blanket flowers once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing in the fall as this can encourage new growth that may not survive the winter.

A field of pink blanket flowers

Deadheading and Pruning

To encourage continued blooming, it is important to deadhead blanket flowers regularly. This involves removing spent blooms by cutting them off at the base of the stem. This will encourage the plant to produce more blooms throughout the growing season.

In addition to deadheading, it is also important to prune blanket flowers in the fall. Cut back the stems to about 6 inches above ground level. This will help prevent the plant from becoming too woody and encourage healthy growth in the following year.

Orange and red blanket flowers against a blue sky

Common Issues

While blanket flowers are relatively easy to care for, there are some common issues that gardeners may encounter. One of the most common issues is powdery mildew, which can be prevented by spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering.

Another issue is root rot, which can occur if the soil is too wet or the plant is overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure to water your blanket flowers deeply but infrequently and avoid planting them in areas with standing water.

White and yellow blanket flowers with a bee on top

Growing blanket flowers is a great way to add color and beauty to your garden or landscape. By choosing the right location, preparing the soil, and providing proper care, you can enjoy these stunning blooms throughout the growing season. With a little bit of effort, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden filled with blanket flowers.

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