Gaillardia

Q. I have a group of three Gaillardia plants about three years old. They have great leaf structure but no flowers this year. I fertilize 2x month and do have other groups of Gaillardia in different parts of my garden so I do not think it is the soil. Any suggestions?

A. Gaillardia flowers may reach up to 4 inches across and may be single or double flowers depending on the variety. These perennials generally grow from two to three feet tall but there are also many new hybrid strains which include dwarf varieties that only attain a height of a foot (Gaillardia grandiflora 'Goblin') and colors ranging from yellow to red or orange.

You mention fertilizing but I do not know the numbers. Make sure that you are giving one high in Phosphorus the middle number. The first number leads to much foliage and little or no blooms.

Another consideration is the light. They need almost full sunlight to produce their massive flowers. If they receive half day sun then the flowering will be sparse.

Watering is very important too. They like slow deep drenches into very well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy lighten it with peat moss compost dried leaves or dehydrated steer manure in the spring. Allow the top 1-2" of soil to dry before adding more water. If they sit too wet they will not flower well and may suffer root rot. Overwatering will cause stems to flop over.

Plant them 15-18 inches apart. They thrive in the summer heat with only moderate watering and feeding. They are easily grown from seed which may be sown directly into the garden from early spring up until early summer where they will bloom lightly for you the first year. A stake should be provided to support the taller varieties. Remove spent flowers to keep plants attractive.

Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring.

Watch for rust and mildew which can be a problem as with any other member of the Aster Family.

Gaillardias are hardy in USDA zones 4-10.