How to grow gaillardia
Overview
Gaillardia pulchella is a short-lived herbaceous perennial or annual daisy, grown for its vibrant red-and-yellow flowers and long summer display. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and poor soil, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Varieties
- Gaillardia pulchella 'Red Plume' — Double red flowers, very heat tolerant, popular in Australian native-style beds.
- Gaillardia pulchella 'Sundance Bicolour' — Red-tipped yellow petals, long-blooming, ideal for massed colour in dry gardens.
Soil Preparation
Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5) and very sharp drainage. Add coarse sand or gravel to heavy clay. Do not add compost or manure; gaillardia flowers best in lean soil.
Growing Guide
Sow seed directly 3 mm deep in free-draining soil after frost risk passes, or start in punnets for transplant at 30 cm spacing. Full sun is essential; avoid rich or wet soil. In cool zones, plant after soil warms; in subtropical zones, autumn sowing gives a longer season. Pinch out tips at 10 cm for bushier growth.
Sowing
Sow seed 3 mm deep, 30 cm apart, in free-draining soil after frost risk. Germinates in 10–14 days at 20–25°C. Direct sow is preferred; transplant only if necessary, as taproots dislike disturbance.
Care
Feed with a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertiliser in early spring and again after the first bloom flush. Cut spent stems to the base in late autumn to prevent legginess. Deadhead weekly through summer to extend flowering.
Companion Planting
Pair with coreopsis, salvia, and echinacea for a hot-coloured, pollinator-friendly bed. Avoid planting near moisture-loving ferns or impatiens, as gaillardia dislikes damp conditions.
Common Pests & Risks
Aphids cluster on new growth in spring; blast with water or apply pyrethrum. Powdery mildew appears in humid spells; improve airflow by spacing plants 30 cm apart and avoid overhead watering.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage — reduce water and check soil. Leggy stems: too much shade or nitrogen — move to full sun and stop feeding. Few flowers: lack of heat or overfeeding — wait for hot weather, use low-nitrogen feed. Powdery mildew: humid, crowded conditions — space plants and water at soil level.