When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Leavenworth County County,
In Zone 6b (Leavenworth County County), direct-sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) between April 21 and May 12 for spring, after the April 14 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Leavenworth County, KS
What to do in June
A quick June briefing for Leavenworth County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: gaillardia (blanket flower)
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Harvest gaillardia (blanket flower) as they ripen
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Leavenworth County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 693 feet, Leavenworth County receives approximately 20.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) during the growing season.
Leavenworth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.7
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 Leavenworth County
How your county's soil matches Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)'s growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.7) is more alkaline than Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Leavenworth County is excellent for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) will thrive.
How to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Succession Planting Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 16 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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Leavenworth 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 — Leavenworth County, KS
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Bloom | June 30 | Jun 30 – Nov 3 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Leavenworth County
Growing Tips for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Leavenworth County
Direct sow Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) outdoors after April 14 in Leavenworth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in this region include aphids and slugs. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Leavenworth County receives only 20" of rain annually. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Leavenworth County, KS?
Leavenworth County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Leavenworth County, KS?
Leavenworth County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Leavenworth County County, ?
In Leavenworth County County, , plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Leavenworth County County, for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Leavenworth County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Leavenworth County County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Leavenworth County County's temperate climate. Leavenworth County County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 24.
Your Leavenworth County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Leavenworth County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.