How to Grow Gaillardia Goblin
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Gaillardia Goblin
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Goblin'
flowerGaillardia Goblin is a compact dwarf blanket flower cultivar known for its vibrant red and yellow bicolor blooms and bushy, mounding habit. This perennial produces abundant flowers throughout the growing season and attracts pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and rock gardens due to its small stature and drought tolerance.
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Example Gaillardia Goblin timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Gaillardia Goblin
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Gaillardia Goblin blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gaillardia Goblin dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-10; performs best in zones 4-9
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Germination & Seedling
7-14 days germination; 2-3 weeks to true leaf stageTiny seedlings with cotyledons emerge. True leaves begin to develop, appearing finely divided.
Provide bright light, keep soil slightly moist (not wet), maintain 70-75°F. Do not cover seeds; they need light to germinate.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with increasingly divided, feathery leaves. Compact, mounding form takes shape.
Water when top inch of soil is dry. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch tips early to promote bushiness.
Flowering
6-8 weeks initial bloom; extends with deadheadingAbundant daisy-like blooms appear with red petals tipped and ringed in yellow. Flowers are 2-3 inches across.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowers over foliage. Water at base to keep foliage dry.
Peak Bloom & Summer Production
8-12 weeksPlant produces prolific flowers throughout mid to late summer. May slow slightly in extreme heat but typically rebounds.
Continue deadheading. Provide afternoon shade in zones 9-10. Reduce watering frequency in established plants. Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Decline & Dormancy
4-8 weeks depending on first frost dateFlowers diminish as temperatures cool in fall. Foliage may remain green or turn bronze depending on climate.
Stop deadheading in late fall to allow seeds to set (supports wildlife). Cut back to 3-4 inches above ground in late fall/early spring after danger of hard frost passes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with misting, use miticide if severe, encourage predatory mites
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or neem oil spray
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Spray with strong water stream, use insecticidal soap, encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps
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and
Remove by hand, use copper tape barriers, allow soil to dry between waterings
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryGaillardia petals are edible with a slightly spicy flavor and can be used as garnish for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They add both color and a unique peppery taste to dishes. [source]
Traditional Medicine
MedicinalIndigenous peoples historically used blanket flower (Gaillardia genus) in preparations believed to support skin health and general wellness. Modern herbalists include it in some tea blends. [source]
Cut & Dried Arrangements
HouseholdGaillardia Goblin's vibrant flowers are excellent for fresh bouquets and also dry beautifully for dried arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. Flowers retain color well when air-dried. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeProlific blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season. Allowing some flowers to set seed provides food for goldfinches and other seed-eating birds. [source]
Flower Pressing & Crafts
CraftThe thin, papery petals are ideal for pressing and using in botanical crafts, scrapbooking, and resin artwork. Flowers retain vibrant color when pressed between pages. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries for longest vase life (7-10 days). Pinch or cut 1-2 inches from stem tips to encourage branching and fuller plants. To collect seeds, allow flowers to fade and dry on plant; collect seed heads when brown and dry, then store in cool, dry place.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Gaillardia Goblin's compact size (8-12 inches tall) makes it one of the shortest blanket flower cultivars—perfect for containers and small spaces while the original species reaches 2-3 feet tall.
- 🌱 The common name 'blanket flower' comes from Native American blanket designs; the red and yellow coloring resembles traditional tribal patterns.
- 🌱 Gaillardia plants produce flowers prolifically in poor, sandy soil where many ornamentals would struggle—they thrive on neglect and are excellent for xeriscaping.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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