When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Putnam County, FL
Putnam County's spring Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) window runs January 19 through February 9. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Putnam County, FL
What to do in June
Each item below is timed to Putnam County, Florida'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.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 278 feet, Putnam County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Putnam County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.2
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 Putnam County
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.2) is more acidic than Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Putnam 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 (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower).
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Succession Planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 24 to harvest before frost.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Putnam 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 — Putnam County, FL
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Bloom | March 30 | Mar 30 – Sep 28 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in Putnam County
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Putnam County
Direct sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) outdoors after February 09 in Putnam County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Putnam 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 Putnam County, FL?
Putnam County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Putnam County, FL?
Putnam County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Putnam County, FL?
In Putnam County, FL, plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Putnam County, FL for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Putnam County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Putnam County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Putnam County's temperate climate. Putnam County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your Putnam County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Putnam County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.