When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dale County County,
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planted in Dale County County between February 20 and March 13 matures in 100 days — well before the November 19 first frost.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dale County, AL
Top priorities for Dale County, Alabama gardeners in June
Each item below is timed to Dale County, Alabama's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect gaillardia (blanket flower) at their peak
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: gaillardia (blanket flower)
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.
Dale County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 396 feet, Dale County receives approximately 60.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower), but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) root diseases.
Dale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Dale County
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dale County is excellent for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Succession Planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dale County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Timeline — Dale County, AL
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Bloom | May 1 | May 1 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Dale County
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dale County
Direct sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) outdoors after March 06 in Dale County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dale County's clay soil (32% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower). Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Dale County, provide afternoon shade for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dale County, AL?
Dale County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dale County, AL?
Dale County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dale County County, ?
In Dale County County, , plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dale County County, for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Dale County County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Dale County County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Dale County County's temperate climate. Dale County County averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 19.
Your Dale County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dale County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.