About Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower is a stunning native perennial wildflower. The plant produces intricately colored petals of alternating red and yellow hues. Blanket Flower seeds can be planted successfully anywhere in the U.S. but this species is especially beloved in arid areas with limited drainage.
When to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds
Direct sow in spring, after the threat of frost has passed. In warmer climates, a fall planting is also an option for Blanket Flower.
If starting indoors, sow four to six weeks prior to the last frost of the season in your area.
Where to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds
Choose a well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Although drought tolerant, maintain moisture until they are established.
How to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds
Blanket Flower seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
Broadcast sow your seeds directly onto the surface of the soil, and compress firmly onto the surface of the soil. Moisten once the seeds are sown.
If starting seeds in cell trays, sow seeds no deeper than 1/8 inch below soil. Seeds should germinate in 8 to 15 days if soil temperature is maintained between 65°F and 75°F. After the threat of frost has passed, the young seedlings can be transplanted outdoors after a two week period of hardening off. Learn more about how to harden off seedlings here.
How to Care for Blanket Flower
Water regularly to keep plants hydrated and become established in your garden. On hot days, a little extra water will help plants thrive.
Once established, Blanket Flower needs little care or maintenance. Ideal spacing is 12 to 18 inches, thin once two inches tall, if needed, though Blanket Flower can tolerate some crowding. Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer is recommended weekly or every other week with a liquid fertilizer, but time-release fertilizers are good to use as well. If able, deadhead old flowers to promote a new flush of flowers repeatedly for the rest of summer. After this perennial plant has stopped flowering and growing, beginning to die back to the ground, cut the stems to two to three inches above ground before winter sets in.
At the two-year mark, you can divide your Blanket Flower and replant the divisions.
