How To Grow Gaillardia Seeds
Updated on Nov 18, 2021
By Shannon McCabe
Latin name Gaillardia sp. is a perennial or hardy annual wild flower belonging to the Aster family. These long-season bloomers are easy to grow and quite heat and drought tolerant, making them a perfect choice for xeriscaping. Super attractive to butterflies.
HISTORY
Native to North America. Gaillardia was documented by Lewis and Clark in their 19th-century expedition across the Americas. Gaillardia is Oklahoma's state wildflower.
USES
- Native wildflower
- Provides a long-season source of nectar and pollen for a wide range of bees
- Excellent for native gardens, pollinator gardens, meadows, rehabilitation sites, drought-tolerant gardens, beds, borders, containers, cottage garden
- Visited by many native bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficials and pollinators.
- Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
- Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or direct seed after last frost.
- Surface sow seeds and just lightly press into soil, as they require light in order to germinate.
- Ideal germination temperature is 60-65 F.
- Quite heat and drought tolerant.
- Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
- Tolerant of low-fertility soils.
- Space plants 14-18 inches apart.
PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Generally pest-free, it may be bothered by beetles and leafhoppers. These can be controlled with the release of beneficial insects such as lacewings and ladybugs.
- Gaillardia readily self seeds year after year, but you can save seeds as well.
- Flowers are cross-pollinated by insects.
- Wear gloves when saving these seeds, as they can be sharp!
- Allow the flowerhead containing the seeds to completely mature and dry on the plant, then clip off the flowerhead and place in a container.
- Working over the top of another clean, opened container, rub the flowerheads between the palms, breaking them apart.
- The seeds can be separated from the chaff by first screening and then winnowing.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place over winter.
