How to Grow Blanket Flower in Utah

Blanket flower (Gaillardia) is a vibrant perennial that brings color and charm to gardens across the United States, especially in regions like Utah. Known for its resilience, drought tolerance, and stunning blooms, it’s no wonder gardeners are eager to cultivate this striking flower. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to successfully grow blanket flowers in Utah’s unique climate.

Understanding Blanket Flower

Before diving into the cultivation process, it’s essential to understand what blanket flowers are. These hardy perennials belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to North America. They feature daisy-like blooms in warm shades of red, orange, and yellow. The petals are usually fringed, resembling a blanket that brings warmth and vibrance to any garden.

Benefits of Growing Blanket Flower

1. Drought Tolerance: Blanket flowers thrive in dry conditions, making them perfect for Utah’s arid climate.
2. Pollinator Friendly: They attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
3. Long Blooming Season: With their prolonged flowering period from late spring through fall, they provide continuous color.
4. Easy Maintenance: These flowers are relatively low-maintenance once established.

Choosing the Right Location

Finding the right spot for blanket flowers is crucial for their growth and blooming success. Here are some factors to consider:

Sunlight Requirements

Blanket flowers prefer full sun, meaning they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In Utah’s sunny climate, you can easily meet this requirement by planting them in a spot that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.

Soil Conditions

While blanket flowers are adaptable to various soil types, they thrive in well-draining soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Sandy or loamy soils work best as they allow excess water to drain away quickly, preventing root rot.

Space Considerations

When planting blanket flowers, provide adequate space between plants—typically about 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing allows for ample air circulation and minimizes competition for nutrients.

Preparing the Soil

Proper soil preparation sets the foundation for healthy blanket flower growth. Follow these steps to prepare your soil:

1. Clear the Area: Remove any weeds, grass, or debris from the planting site.
2. Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the top 12 inches of soil.
3. Amend as Necessary: If your soil is heavy clay or overly compacted, consider adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.

Planting Blanket Flower

Once your soil is prepared and you’ve chosen a location, you’re ready to plant your blanket flowers.

Seeds vs. Transplants

You can grow blanket flowers from seeds or transplants purchased from a nursery. If starting from seeds:

• Direct Seeding: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost date in spring.
• Indoor Germination: Alternatively, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date for an earlier bloom.

Planting Instructions

1. Seeds: Scatter seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them down without covering them completely; they require light for germination.
2. Transplants: If using seedlings, dig holes that are slightly larger than the root ball of each plant. Place each transplant in its hole and backfill with soil, firming it gently around the base.

Watering After Planting

After planting, water the area thoroughly but avoid overwatering—blanket flowers prefer drier conditions once established.

Caring for Your Blanket Flowers

Once your blanket flowers are planted, proper care is essential for healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Watering Guidelines

1. Establishment Phase: During the first few weeks after planting, keep the soil lightly moist until roots establish.
2. Ongoing Care: Once established (usually after one growing season), reduce watering frequency as they are drought-tolerant plants that flourish with less moisture.

Fertilizing

Blanket flowers generally do not require much fertilization. If desired, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins—but be cautious not to over-fertilize as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of blooms.

Deadheading and Pruning

To encourage more blooms throughout the summer:

• Deadhead Regularly: Remove spent flowers by cutting them off at their base once they have faded.
• Pruning: In late fall or early spring before new growth starts, trim back dead foliage to promote fresh growth.

Pest and Disease Management

While blanket flowers are hardy and relatively pest-resistant, occasional issues may arise:

1. Pests: Watch for aphids or spider mites; if detected early, you can manage them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Diseases: Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases like powdery mildew or root rot. Ensure proper drainage and avoid overhead watering.

Preparing for Winter

In Utah’s colder climate zones, it’s essential to prepare your blanket flowers for winter:

1. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of each plant in late fall to insulate roots against freezing temperatures.
2. Cutting Back: After frost has killed back the foliage in late fall or early winter, cut back dead stems but leave about an inch above ground level.

Conclusion

With their stunning colors and easy care requirements, blanket flowers make an excellent addition to Utah gardens. By selecting the right location, preparing your soil properly, and providing ongoing care throughout their growing season, you can enjoy vibrant blooms year after year.

Embrace this beautiful perennial flower as part of your gardening journey—its resilience against droughts and ability to attract pollinators will reward you with a lively garden that’s both beautiful and ecologically beneficial! Happy gardening!