When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Hendry County, FL
Hendry County's climate puts the Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) spring window between December 17 and January 7. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Hendry County, FL
What to do in August
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Hendry County, Florida this August and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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It's harvest week for gaillardia (blanket flower)
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 91 days.
At an elevation of 403 feet, Hendry County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) root diseases.
Hendry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Soil Compatibility in Hendry County
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Hendry County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.7%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Hendry 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 — Hendry County, FL
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 10 | Dec 10 – Dec 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | December 17 | Dec 17 – Dec 31 |
| Direct Sow | December 17 | Dec 17 – Jan 7 |
| Bloom | February 25 | Feb 25 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
91 days in Hendry County
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Hendry County
Direct sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) outdoors after January 14 in Hendry County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Hendry County dries quickly — mulch Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 14. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hendry County, FL?
Hendry County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 14 and first fall frost is .
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Hendry County, FL?
In Hendry County, FL, plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around January 1) and before the first frost (around December 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hendry County, FL for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Hendry County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Hendry County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Hendry County's temperate climate. Hendry County averages a 365-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 1 and first frost around December 31.
Your Hendry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hendry County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.