Indian Blanket - Gaillardia Pulchella

Approximate seeds per pound: 153,000
Seeding rate: Plant this wildflower seed at 8 pounds per acre
Height: Usually around 18 inches
Flower Color: The famous red and yellow "pinwheel"
Plant Type: Annual. Lives just one year. Grows quickly, blooms heavily, dies with first frost. Can regrow following spring if seed falls on bare ground.
Flower Type: Daisy-like
Bloom Time: Mid and late season
Is this wildflower invasive? No
Is this wildflower endangered? No
Is this wildflower edible? No
Is this wildflower medicinal? No
Regions: Native to plains regions, but can be grown in all regions.
Zones: 3 - 10
Soil preference: Hot, dry, sandy conditions are best, but this species is adaptable.
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Average to dry
Germination: 15 - 45 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 70F - 75F
Sowing depth: Plant this wildflower seed at 1/8"

The Indian blandket wildflower was approved as Oklahoma's official state wildflower in 1986. Also known as Gaillardia, this beauty that should be in every wildflower seed garden. The large, showy flowers can reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter and begin to bloom in May and usually continue until September. You will be amazed at the intricate colors of this beautiful flower. This wildflower usually does not grow over 18" tall and spreads about 1 to 2 feet in width.

Indian blanket flowers usually appear in late spring and signal the beginning of summer in many parts of the country. With their showy, concentric bands of red and yellow blazing across wide expanses of land, they do indeed resemble colorful Indian blankets. Originally a bright gold, the flower was a favorite of the Aztec Indians. Indian blanket wildflower seed should be planted where it will get lots of sun. They can tolerate some drought after established, but flower best when kept evenly moist. They also do well in containers and window boxes. If you want to keep you wildflower blooming longer and looking nicer, deadheading is important. Let a few of the flowers go to seed to encourage seed distribution in late fall. The fallen wildflower seed will bloom sprout the following spring.