Blanket Flower Gallardia Perennial Long Lasting Bloom for Cutting or Butterflies Gallardia, commonly known as blanket flower, is a popular perennial flower prized for its vibrant and colorful blooms. **Description of the Plant:** - **Scientific Name:** Gaillardia spp. - **Common Names:** Blanket flower, Indian blanket, Firewheel **Plant Appearance:** - Gallardia plants typically grow to a height of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 601 cm) and have a bushy, clumping habit. - The leaves are lance-shaped and green, often with fine hairs. - The most distinctive feature of gallardia is its daisy-like flowers, which come in a variety of vibrant colors, including shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy. - The flowers have a prominent central disk surrounded by colorful ray petals, giving them a striking appearance. **Where and How to Grow:** - **Hardiness Zones:** Gallardia is a hardy perennial that can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 10, depending on the variety. - **Sunlight:** Plant gallardia in full sun. It thrives in bright, sunny locations. - **Soil:** Gallardia prefers well-drained soil with good organic content. It can tolerate somewhat sandy or loamy soils. - **Watering:** Once established, gallardia is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent, deep watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. **Special Attributes:** - **Long Blooming Period:** Gallardia is known for its long-lasting blooms, which often appear from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees. - **Low Maintenance:** It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established. - **Attracts Wildlife:** Besides pollinators, gallardia can also attract birds, making it a great addition to wildlife gardens. - **Cut Flowers:** The striking flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets. **How to Grow from Seed:** 1. **Seed Selection:** You can start gallardia easily from seeds. 2. **Timing:** Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Alternatively, you can sow them directly in the garden in late spring or early summer. 3. **Sowing Indoors:** Plant the seeds in seed-starting trays or pots filled with a seed-starting mix. Press the seeds lightly into the soil and keep them consistently moist. Place the trays/pots in a warm, sunny location. 4. **Transplanting:** Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) and have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted into your garden or larger containers. 5. **Outdoor Planting:** If sowing directly outdoors, prepare the soil by removing weeds and improving drainage. Sow the seeds about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) deep, and keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are established. 6. **Spacing:** Space gallardia plants about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart in the garden. 7. **Maintenance:** Water young plants regularly until they establish themselves. Once established, gallardia is relatively drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. 8. **Deadheading:** To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly. 9. **Overwintering:** In colder climates, mulch the plants in late fall to protect them from harsh winter conditions. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beautiful and long-lasting blooms of gallardia in your garden, and with proper care, it will return year after year as a resilient perennial. =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Seed Shipping: Flat Rate Low Shipping fee- no matter how many seeds you order! Add this item to your cart and keep shopping-- at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!