20 seeds| Gaillardia pulchella lorenziana #8076

Description: Growing Gaillardia, commonly known as Blanket Flower, from seeds can be a rewarding gardening project due to their vibrant colors and easy-care nature. Here’s how to successfully germinate and grow Gaillardia seeds: 1. Seed Preparation- Stratification. Although not always necessary, stratifying Gaillardia seeds can improve germination rates. This involves chilling the seeds in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks to mimic winter conditions. 2. Sowing the Seeds- Timing. Plant the seeds in spring after the danger of frost has passed or in late winter under grow lights indoors.- Soil and Container. Use a well-draining seed starting mix in a flat or tray. Gaillardia prefers soil that isn’t too rich, so standard potting soil with some sand mixed in is ideal.- Planting Depth. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. They need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them gently into the moistened mix. 3. Germination- Environment. Place the seed tray in a warm, bright location. A temperature of about 70°F (21°C) is ideal for germination.- Moisture. Keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Use a spray bottle to mist the soil surface to prevent washing away the tiny seeds.- Germination Time. Seeds should start to germinate in 1-2 weeks. 4. Care After Germination- Light. Once seedlings appear, ensure they receive plenty of light. If growing indoors, place them near a sunny window or under grow lights.- Thinning. When seedlings are a few weeks old and have developed 2-3 true leaves, thin them to avoid overcrowding. Keep the strongest seedlings.- Watering. Water the seedlings whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as Gaillardia does not like soggy conditions. 5. Transplanting- Timing. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are sturdy enough and all risk of frost has passed.- Site Preparation. Choose a site with full sun. Gaillardia thrives in sunlight and can tolerate some drought once established.- Soil Preparation. Ensure the soil is well-draining. Amend with gravel or sand if it is too compacted or clay-heavy.- Planting Out. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow. 6. Ongoing Care- Fertilization. Lightly fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Gaillardia does well in moderate soils.- Mulching. Apply a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.- Deadheading. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period. 7. Overwintering- In cooler climates. In zones where winter temperatures drop below freezing, mulch heavily around the plants after the first frost to protect them. Gaillardia plants are generally low-maintenance and, once established, are great for adding long-lasting color to the summer garden. They’re also excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Price: 3.79 USD

Location: Temple City, California

End Time: 2024-09-04T15:47:35.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD