How to Grow Starburst Scarlet
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Starburst Scarlet
Gaillardia × grandiflora 'Starburst Scarlet'
flowerStarburst Scarlet is a vibrant blanket flower cultivar featuring deep red and yellow bicolor blooms with a distinctive star-burst pattern. This hardy perennial produces abundant flowers throughout summer and into fall, attracting pollinators while requiring minimal maintenance. It's drought-tolerant once established and ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and pollinator plantings.
When should you plant Starburst Scarlet in your zone?
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Example Starburst Scarlet timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Starburst Scarlet
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 Starburst Scarlet blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Starburst Scarlet dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green seedlings with first true leaves appearing within 7-14 days of germination
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop bushy foliage with increasingly deep green leaves and sturdy stems
Water moderately during dry spells. Begin reducing water as plant matures. Pinch back growing tips if you want bushier plants.
Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips with reddish tinges visible
Maintain consistent (but not wet) soil moisture. Reduce fertilizer to avoid excess foliage at expense of flowers.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (or longer with deadheading)Abundant star-burst pattern flowers in scarlet-red with yellow petal tips and edges blooming from midsummer onward
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Do not overwater. Minimal fertilizer needed.
Seed Development & Dormancy
4-8 weeks (variable by climate)Flowers fade and seed heads form; foliage may yellow as plant prepares for winter or enters dormancy
Allow some flowers to set seed for reseeding and wildlife food. Cut back dead foliage in fall or spring. Divide plants every 2-3 years.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick early morning or use pheromone traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.
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Increase humidity by misting. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur or baking soda spray if needed.
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Use row covers on young plants. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryGaillardia petals are mildly spicy and can be used as garnish for salads and desserts, adding color and subtle flavor. Always ensure flowers have not been treated with pesticides before consuming. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe long-lasting star-burst flowers are excellent for fresh or dried arrangements, lasting 1-2 weeks in a vase. The striking color pattern makes them a dramatic focal point in bouquets. [source]
Pollinator Garden Staple
WildlifeStarburst Scarlet is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, making it essential for pollinator gardens. The open flower structure allows easy access for diverse insects. [source]
Low-Maintenance Landscape Color
HouseholdThis extremely hardy, drought-tolerant perennial requires minimal water, fertilizer, or pest management once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalBlanket flowers have been used in traditional Native American and folk medicine preparations for digestive and skin health support, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For cut flowers, harvest in early morning when petals are fully open but before peak heat. Cut stems just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Deadhead faded blooms throughout the season to extend flowering. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production if desired. In fall, leave seed heads for wildlife food and winter interest, then cut back in early spring.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'blanket flower' comes from the resemblance of fields of blooming Gaillardia to colorful Native American blankets.
- 🌱 Starburst Scarlet is a hybrid (Gaillardia × grandiflora) created by crossing two native American wildflower species, making it more vigorous and ornamental than pure species.
- 🌱 Once established, these plants are so drought-tolerant they thrive in conditions too dry for most other perennials, yet they still attract abundant butterflies and pollinators throughout the growing season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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