GENERAL INFORMATION
Scientific Name: Gaillardia aristata
CommonName: Blanket flower
Hardiness Zone: 5a - 9b
Blooming Season: Late Spring, Summer, Autumn, Late Summer
Plant Habit: Mounded
Characteristics: Deer Resistant
Water: Medium
Fertilizer: Once a month
Spacing: 17 - 19" (43 - 48cm)
Height: 15 - 17" (38 - 43cm)
Width: 15 - 17" (38 - 43cm)
Exposure: Sun
PROPAGATION
Media EC/pH: EC 0.75-0.80 mmhos/pH 6.0-6.4
Soil Temperature: 70-72°F (21-22°C)
Rooting Hormone: 1,000 ppm IBA basal dip
Mist: Low to moderate
Fertilization: 50-75 ppm N
Pinching: Pinch to remove flower buds in the liner stage.
Transplanting: 35-42 days after sticking
FINISHING
Media pH: 5.8-6.2
Temperature: Nights: 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C) Days: 60 to 65°F (16 to 18°C)
Light Level (fc): 3,000 to 5,000
Vernalization: No
Watering: Allow media to dry moderately between watering.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at a rate of 125 to 150 ppm.
Pinch After Transplant: Pinch at transplant
Plant Growth Regulators: B-Nine 3750 ppm/Cycocel 500 ppm as necessary before color. Sumagic 5-10 ppm after coloring.
Pests and Fungal Diseases: Aphids, thrips, downy mildew, powdery mildew
CROP SCHEDULING
1–qt. (10–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Not recommended
1–gal. (15–cm) pot, 1 plant per pot: Rooted: 8-10 wks
2 to 3–gal. (25 to 30–cm) pot, 3 plants per pot: Rooted: 10-12 wks
Bloom Months: June to October