what do blanket flower seeds look like

What Do Blanket Flower Seeds Look Like? A Guide to Identifying Gaillardia Seeds

Blanket flowers, also known as Gaillardia or Indian blankets, are colorful daisy-like flowers popular in gardens Their vibrant red, orange, yellow, and multicolored flowers resemble the colorful blankets made by Native Americans, leading to the common name “blanket flower”

If you want to grow blanket flowers from seeds it helps to know how to identify Gaillardia seeds. In this article, we’ll explore the key features and characteristics of blanket flower seeds to assist you in recognizing them.

What are Blanket Flowers?

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are herbaceous perennial plants in the Asteraceae family. There are over 15 Gaillardia species, most native to North America. The most commonly grown are:

• Gaillardia aristata – known as common or perennial blanketflower. Native to western North America.

• Gaillardia pulchella – called annual blanketflower or Indian blanket. Native from Montana to Texas.

Blanket flowers produce colorful blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, burgundy and combinations. The flower heads have ray florets surrounding a central disc. They bloom throughout summer and fall, providing months of vivid color.

In addition to being ornamental, some Gaillardia are edible. The petals can be eaten in salads, the leaves cooked like spinach, and Native Americans used the plant for medicinal teas.

Blanket Flower Seed Identification Features

Blanket flower seeds develop inside dry, brittle seed heads. When the seeds are ripe and ready for harvest, the heads turn brown and very dry. Gaillardia seeds have these identifying features:

Size: The seeds are small, ranging from 1 to 3 mm long with an oblong, elongated shape.

Color: Fresh seeds are pale brown or tan. Aged seeds become darker brown or blackish.

Surface: The seed surface has a rough, granular texture. Under magnification, tiny ridges or lines are visible lengthwise.

Attached pappus: At one end of the seed is a tufted cluster of whitish bristles called the pappus that aids wind dispersal. Each bristle may be 0.5 to 2 mm long.

Pointed tip: Opposite the pappus, the seed tapers to a narrow pointed tip which helps it penetrate the soil.

Flattened: Most seeds have a flattened oval shape rather than being fully round when viewed from the side. This streamlined form also assists wind dispersal.

Seed heads: The seeds detach from dry, brownish conical seed heads about 1 cm wide, with numerous seeds tightly clustered inside.

When and How to Harvest Gaillardia Seeds

To successfully collect Gaillardia seeds, harvest them at peak ripeness:

• Monitor seed heads starting in mid to late summer. They will dry and turn brown when mature.

• Collect entire heads on a dry, sunny day using pruners.

• Place harvested heads in paper bags. Keep them in a warm, dry spot for about a week to fully dry.

• To extract the seeds, rub the dried heads between your hands over a bowl. The seeds will separate and fall out.

• Remove any remaining flower chaff and debris by sieving or winnowing.

• Store cleaned seeds in sealed packets or jars in a cool, dark place. Blanket flower seeds stay viable for 2 to 3 years when properly stored.

How to Plant Blanket Flower Seeds

Blanket flower seeds can be directly sown outdoors in spring or fall. They need light to germinate so don’t cover too deeply. Follow these tips:

• Prepare seed starting mix or friable garden soil. Blanket flowers thrive in well-draining soil.

• Sow seeds directly in the garden 8-12 weeks before your last expected frost.

• Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart. Seedlings need space to develop.

• Gently water and keep soil moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge in 1-2 weeks.

• Thin young plants to 12-18 inches apart when 2 true leaves appear.

• Plant in full sun. Blanket flowers thrive in sites with at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.

• Mulch around seedlings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, blanket flower seeds will reward you with brightly colored, drought-resistant flowers in the first year. Save seeds from your healthiest Gaillardia plants each season to increase your flower patch!

Tips for Identifying and Storing Gaillardia Seeds

• Examine unknown seeds carefully under a magnifying glass and compare to Gaillardia seed characteristics.

• Size and shape offer clues – blanket flower seeds are relatively small and oblong.

• The tufted pappus on one end is a distinguishing Gaillardia seed feature.

• True blanket flower seeds will be pale brown to blackish in color. Discard any white, green or brightly colored mystery seeds.

• Only save plump, viable looking seeds for planting. Discard small, shriveled or damaged seeds.

• Store Gaillardia seeds in breathable paper envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry place away from light.

• Label seed packets with the plant name, variety and year collected. Seeds stay viable for 2-3 years when properly stored.

With knowledge of their unique physical features, identifying blanket flower seeds is straightforward. Follow proper harvesting and storage methods to maintain viability from season to season. Then plant the seeds to enjoy gorgeous, drought-resistant Gaillardia flowers.

Yes, blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are known for self-seeding and will readily reseed themselves in the garden.

Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are easily propagated through seeds, division, or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors after the last frost or started indoors 6-8 weeks prior. Division, best done in spring or fall, helps rejuvenate plants and maintain vigor every 2-3 years.