Blanket Flowers Plant Care And Collection Of Varieties

Cover How to Grow and Care for Blanket Flowers (2592x1944)

Table of Contents

1. What are Blanket Flowers?
2. When and How to Plant Blanket Flowers
3. How to Water Blanket Flowers
4. How to Fertilize Blanket Flowers
5. How to Deadhead Blanket Flowers

What are Blanket Flowers?

Blanket flowers, also known as gaillardia, are beautiful perennials that are native to North and South America. They get their name from their bright, colorful petals that resemble a Native American blanket. Blanket flowers come in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, and brown, and they bloom from early summer to fall.

Blanket flowers are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all skill levels.

When and How to Plant Blanket Flowers

The best time to plant blanket flowers is in the spring, after the last frost has passed. You can also plant them in the fall, at least 6 weeks before the first frost, but this may not give them enough time to establish their roots before winter.

Blanket flowers prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. They also need full sun to thrive, so choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

To plant blanket flowers, start by preparing the soil. Remove any weeds and debris, and then work in some compost or other organic matter to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage. Dig a hole that’s slightly larger than the root ball of the plant, and then place the plant in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, and then water the plant thoroughly.

How to Water Blanket Flowers

While blanket flowers are drought-tolerant, they still need regular watering to thrive. Water them deeply once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Instead, water at the base of the plant, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.

If you live in a hot, dry climate, you may need to water your blanket flowers more frequently.

How to Fertilize Blanket Flowers

Blanket flowers don’t require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring can help to promote healthy growth and blooming. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to leggy plants with fewer blooms.

You can also use compost or other organic matter to fertilize your blanket flowers. Apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant once a year in the spring.

How to Deadhead Blanket Flowers

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. This not only makes the plant look neater, but it also encourages the plant to produce more flowers.

To deadhead blanket flowers, simply pinch off the spent flower heads with your fingers or a pair of scissors. Do this regularly throughout the growing season, and you’ll be rewarded with a longer blooming period and more flowers.

Conclusion

Blanket flowers are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for perennial that can add color and interest to your garden. By following these simple care instructions, you can enjoy their bright blooms for years to come.