Blanket flowers, or Gaillardia, are known for their bright and vibrant petals that add a pop of color to any garden. However, sometimes these flowers may not bloom, or the buds may not open. This can be frustrating for gardeners looking forward to enjoying the beauty of these flowers. The blooming season for blanket flowers is typically in the summer, from June to September. If your blanket flowers are not flowering or the buds are not opening during this time, there may be a few reasons why.
Common Reasons Why Blanket Flower Isn’t Blooming
There are several common reasons why blanket flower may not be blooming. One possible cause is improper pruning. If the plant is pruned too heavily or at the wrong time, it may not have enough energy to produce flowers. Another factor to consider is fertilization. Insufficient or excess fertilization can prevent the plant from blooming. Frost and extreme weather conditions can also affect the blooming of blanket flowers. Protecting the plant from frost and providing it with adequate water during dry spells is crucial. Sunlight is also essential for the blooming of blanket flowers. These plants thrive in full sun, so ensure they get enough sunlight. If the plant is in a container, it may not have enough space for the roots to grow, which can affect its ability to bloom. Checking and addressing these potential issues can help encourage your blanket flower to bloom.
Pruning Blanket Flower To Help It Bloom
Pruning can help encourage your blanket flower to bloom. It's important to prune at the right time, typically after the plant has finished blooming. Pruning during the blooming season or too early can prevent the plant from flowering. When pruning, remove any dead or damaged stems and any faded flower stems at the base of the plant. This will help the plant focus its energy on producing flowers instead of vegetative growth. It's also important not to prune too heavily, as this can weaken the plant and prevent it from blooming. Light pruning once or twice a year should be sufficient to encourage blooming.
Fertilizing Blanket Flower To Help It Bloom
Fertilization is an important factor in encouraging blanket flowers to bloom. These plants benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and do not over-fertilize, as this can prevent the plant from blooming. It's also important to fertilize at the right time. For blanket flowers, fertilization is most effective in the early spring and mid-summer. Fertilizing too early in the spring can cause the plant to focus on vegetative growth instead of flowers. It's also important to water the plant well after fertilizing to help the nutrients reach the roots.
Get Blanket Flowers To Produce More Blooms
If your blanket flower plant is not producing enough blooms or you want to encourage it to bloom again, there are a few things you can try. One method is to deadhead the flowers. Deadheading involves removing the spent blooms from the plant to encourage it to produce more flowers. This is best done when the blooms start to fade or wilt. Another way to get more blooms is to fertilize the plant. As mentioned earlier, a balanced fertilizer can help encourage blooming. Additionally, make sure the plant is getting enough sunlight and water. These plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, so ensure they get these optimal conditions. Finally, to keep your blanket flower blooming, remove any damaged or diseased stems as soon as possible to prevent the spread of any problems.
Why Blanket Flower Isn’t Blooming
- Blanket flowers need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. If the plant is not getting enough sunlight, it may not produce as many blooms.
- Over-fertilizing or using a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
- Pests like aphids, spider mites, and thrips can damage blanket flowers and prevent them from blooming.
- Blanket flowers prefer well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. If the soil is too dry, waterlogged, or has a poor nutrient balance, it can affect the plant's ability to bloom.
- Drought, frost, and extreme heat can all stress blanket flowers and prevent them from blooming.
- Young blanket flower plants may not bloom as heavily in their first season as they establish themselves.
