When to Plant Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) in Summit County, UT
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.
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
At an elevation of 8,145 feet, Summit County receives approximately 24.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) during the growing season.
Summit County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.3
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Summit County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Timeline — Summit County, UT
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Direct Sow | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 8 |
| Bloom | August 26 | Aug 26 – Dec 16 |
Plant 0.1" deep · 12" apart · Rows 18" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | Bloom |
| December | Bloom |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
94 days in Summit County
Growing Tips for Summit 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 Summit County, UT?
Summit County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 10. Plan your Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Summit County, UT?
Summit County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 10 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Summit County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Summit County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.