When to plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Phillips County, KS
Spring Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Phillips County goes in May 6–May 27, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Phillips County, KS
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.
Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 929 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 32.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) to ensure they mature before fall.
Phillips County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Timeline — Phillips County, KS
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Bloom | July 15 | Jul 15 – Nov 18 |
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 | — |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
70–100 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Phillips County
Growing Tips for Phillips County
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 Phillips County, KS?
Phillips County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Phillips County, KS?
Phillips County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Phillips County, KS?
In Phillips County, KS, plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) after the last frost (around April 29) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Phillips County, KS for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)?
Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grow in Phillips County's climate?
Yes — Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 29 and first frost around October 10.
Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.