When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Virginia

Gaillardia (Gaillardia aristata), the native blanket flower of the American West, is one of the most floriferous and longest-blooming perennials available — producing cheerful, daisy-like flowers in fiery red, orange, and yellow combinations from early summer through hard frost in most climates. Named for the way its spreading colonies mimic the patterned blankets of Indigenous American weavers, gaillardia thrives in the exact conditions that challenge other perennials: poor, dry, gravelly soil in full sun. An outstanding pollinator plant, attracting bees, butterflies, and finches that feed on its seed heads. Somewhat short-lived (3–5 years) but self-seeds freely to sustain garden colonies.

Virginia spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting dates based on your local frost dates.

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Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar for Virginia

▸ Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 20	Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors	April 17	Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow	April 17	Apr 17 – May 8
Bloom	June 26	Jun 26 – Oct 30

▸ Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 13	Feb 13 – Feb 27
Transplant Outdoors	April 10	Apr 10 – Apr 24
Direct Sow	April 10	Apr 10 – May 1
Bloom	June 19	Jun 19 – Oct 23

▸ Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	February 4	Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors	April 1	Apr 1 – Apr 15
Direct Sow	April 1	Apr 1 – Apr 22
Bloom	June 10	Jun 10 – Oct 28

▸ Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 28	Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors	March 18	Mar 18 – Apr 1
Direct Sow	March 18	Mar 18 – Apr 8
Bloom	May 27	May 27 – Oct 28

▸ Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 18	Jan 18 – Feb 1
Transplant Outdoors	March 1	Mar 1 – Mar 15
Direct Sow	March 1	Mar 1 – Mar 22
Bloom	May 10	May 10 – Oct 25

▸ Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity	When	Date Range
Start Indoors	January 14	Jan 14 – Jan 28
Transplant Outdoors	February 11	Feb 11 – Feb 25
Direct Sow	February 11	Feb 11 – Mar 4
Bloom	April 22	Apr 22 – Oct 7

Growing Tips for Virginia

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct-sow after last frost. Seeds need light to germinate — press onto soil surface without covering, or cover very lightly (1/8 inch). Transplant after last frost when soil has warmed. Lean, well-drained soil is essential — rich or wet soil causes sprawl and root rot. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the season, but leave some heads for self-seeding to renew the planting. Divide every 2–3 years in spring to maintain vigor. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering is more damaging than underwatering. Year 2+ plants deliver the fullest multi-season bloom.

Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Virginia?

Planting dates for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Virginia depend on your USDA zone. Virginia spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Virginia for planting?

Virginia contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

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