I recently ordered a package of seeds for the hybrid Gaillardia 'Punch Bowl'. I was wondering how long it takes Gaillardia to grow from seed to a blooming plant. Does anyone know?



Also, if anyone has experience with this particular Gaillardia, is it truly an annual? If so, is it hardy - that is, will it overwinter in warm climates?

I was advised to also inquire about this particular plant on both the annuals and perennials forums, so I will do so. Hopefully somebody has some experience with this plant.

I've only wintersown gaillardia, and never that species. But those that I've grown were short lived perennials that bloomed the first year.

Karen

same here.. 1st year.. short lived

Thanks for your answers. I didn't know that Gaillardia were short lived.

yeah unfortunately.. sometimes I get lucky and get a couple self seed.. not often

I've had one plant each of 'Arizona Apricot' and 'Oranges and Lemons', both growing off my patio. They are in part shade (in winter, it is almost all shade) and I've had them for at least a couple of years. I hope they aren't about to die on me!

Well, your climate is way different from Allison's and mine, so yours might last longer. Our winters are rough, winters and springs are wet.

Karen

I haven't had that particular variety but my Gaillardia always reseed easily!

yes climate is very different.. I have only had one no name reseed.. everything else I am lucky hangs around for 2 years.. sometimes did not return after the year I planted them.. just a bum plant for our area

But they are so beautiful, they are worth growing as annuals in our zone. I've had some good luck with sowing early in spring using the "winter sowing" technique.

I have a couple of them that overwintered this year, though the winter was pretty bad. Go figure.

Karen

I spotted a couple that either came back or self seeded too.. surprised as well

I planted some from seed last year, Galardia Burgundy (from Swallowtail Seed). It took until close to fall to get blooms and I didn't expect them to return this year, but I have several of them that are setting buds like crazy this year. I rechecked the site and it says winter hardy to zone 2. One of my Rudbekia came back too and it is only supposed to be winter hardy to zone 5, big surprise there.