Gaillardia Seeds,
Arizona Red Shades

51 ReviewSKU: #FL998Min. seed count: 25
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Description

Perennial zones 3-10. First year blooming perennial. Beckon loads of pollinators to the garden with this cherry-red twist on the beloved native blanket flower. Drought- and heat-tolerant plants are tidy and compact, just 12 inches tall and smothered with bright red blooms. Whether these are planted in pots, meadows, beds, or borders, the beneficial insects will be sure to follow!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Gaillardia x grandiflora
Life Cycle
Perennial
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
90–105
Planting Depth
⅛ in.
Plant Spacing
12 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–75°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

When to Grow

Arizona Red Shades blooms its first year from seed, so a sowing indoors 8 to 10 weeks before your last frost, or direct sown outdoors after the last frost, gives flowers in about 90 to 105 days. Press the seed lightly into the soil surface, as light is required for germination, and expect seedlings in 10 to 14 days at a germination temperature of 60 to 65 F. Set plants 12 inches apart in full sun with well-drained soil. Once established they return each year in zones 3 through 10 and shrug off heat and drought.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 14-21 days.
  • Start indoors 8-10 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.

How to Grow

  • 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.

How to Save Seeds

  • 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.

FAQ

Will it bloom the first year from seed?

Yes. Arizona Red Shades is a first year blooming perennial, hardy in zones 3 to 10, and reaches maturity in roughly 90 to 105 days.

Can I grow it in pots?

Yes. Plants are tidy and compact at just 12 inches tall and do well in pots as well as meadows, beds, and borders, smothered in bright cherry-red blooms.

Does it attract pollinators?

It beckons loads of pollinators to the garden. Gaillardia offers a long-season source of nectar and pollen for a wide range of bees and is visited by many native bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects.

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