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



After I ordered the seeds, I belatedly discovered that this hybrid is supposedly an annual. I was wondering if anyone has experience with this particular Gaillardia, and can say whether or not it is truly an annual (versus perennial). If it is an annual, is it hardy - that is, will it overwinter in warm climates?

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

I don't have experience with this particular variety, but the gaillardia I started early last spring bloomed by midsummer, and wonder of wonders, it overwintered here!

Maybe @dyzzypyxxy can provide more info on Punch Bowl.

I did start a bunch of 'Punch Bowl' from seed in early March and they have been blooming for about 2 weeks now. So I'd say 6 to 7 weeks if you have warm weather and lots of sun. But you're in San Francisco? Hmm, maybe a bit longer?

I must say I'm a bit disappointed in the color, as I was thinking it would be something quite different from your regular Gaillardia. They're a little softer red/yellow than the usual, but at a casual glance (and I'm looking out my window at them as I type) they look very similar to the original. Although from this bunch of seedlings I did get three plants so far that have entirely pale yellow flowers! I love pale yellow, so I might just collect some seeds from those.

Thanks for your responses, chelle and Elaine.

Six to seven weeks sounds fairly quick - that's good to know. I'm in the SF Bay Area, but in the south part, so I'm actually just south of San Jose; we are warmer than SF. So it sounds like I should be able to get bloom before fall, if I don't botch the seed starting. And it sounds like I may have a chance of overwintering.

As for the color on 'Punch Bowl', I'm dismayed and disappointed that yours (Elaine's) seemed similar in color to the "regular" ones. This variety was advertised as producing pinks and lavenders, and that is what I am looking for. Perhaps somehow your seeds got contaminated (either by cross pollination, or someone messed up in the collection and packaging)?

As for the pale yellow flowered seedlings (I had read on someone's blog that they also had a pale yellow seedling or two from this variety), those could be interesting. They aren't what I am hoping for, but on the other hand, maybe I could find a few spots for them.

I have to go out of town in a few weeks, so I won't start the seeds until after I return. If I get any to bloom, I'll try to remember to report back on what I actually got.