When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dillingham Census Area, AK
Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dillingham Census Area, between May 15 and June 5 — the only viable window. Zone 4b's short season (128 frost-free days) rules out a fall crop.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dillingham Census Area, AK
Top priorities for Dillingham Census Area, Alaska gardeners in July
Your Dillingham Census Area, Alaska garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.
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.
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 410 feet, Dillingham Census Area receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 60°F, so choose short-season varieties of Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) root diseases.
Dillingham Census Area Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 Dillingham Census Area
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dillingham Census Area is excellent for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.6%) — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) will thrive.
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 6.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Dillingham Census Area). 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 — Dillingham Census Area, AK
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Bloom | July 24 | Jul 24 – Oct 30 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Dillingham Census Area
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dillingham Census Area
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 Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK?
Dillingham Census Area, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is September 6.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Dillingham Census Area, AK?
In Dillingham Census Area, AK, plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around September 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dillingham Census Area, AK for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Dillingham Census Area sits in USDA Zone 4b. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Dillingham Census Area's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Dillingham Census Area's temperate climate. Dillingham Census Area averages a 128-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around September 6.
Your Dillingham Census Area Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dillingham Census Area (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.