Blanketflower- Prairie Native (Gaillardia aristata)

Blanketflower is a wonderful perennial that thrives in poor and dry soils. native pollinators are attracted to the open bright blooms and the birds do feed on the seeds come late summer. Its native range is much of the upper Midwest all the way west to the Pacific. 

It is very easy to sow as you simply sow and water it in. It does need light to germinate so do not cover it with soil or mulch. It also germinates much better with cold and mosit stratification. This can be achieved either by sowing from fall to early spring or you can easily do it with a bit of sand, seeds, and water in a zip lock bag and place in your fridge for 30 days. 

We also offer this in bulk quantities or with packets that are a bit more modest in nature. 

Characteristics: 

• Self-seeding biennial or hardy annual
• Hardy to zone 3
• Plants grow to 2-3 feet
• An excellent cut flower that lasts 6-10 days in a vase

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants.  Plant in poor soil as rich soil will weaken stems.  

• Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost.  
• Sow 1/2" deep
• Germination 10-20days
• Thin 18-24" apart

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability