Potted blanket flowers are just one example of a versatile and easy-to-grow plant for containers that is sure to delight throughout the summer season.
About Potted Blanket Flowers
Blanket flowers, which are hardy to USDA growing zones 3 through 9, are most commonly referred to as a native wildflower. They are a natural choice for those wishing to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to the garden. The bright, cheery, red-orange blooms also make them an ideal candidate for use in the cut-flower garden. This, in tandem with their carefree growth habit, makes blanket flowers ideal to combine with other flowering plants and ornamental grasses for stunning visual impact. It is only logical that many growers would want to further capture this beauty by planting blanket flower in a pot.
How to Grow Blanket Flowers in Containers
To begin growing blanket flower plants, gardeners will first need to decide whether they will purchase transplants or start their own plants from seed. Depending on the variety, blanket flower plants started from seed may not bloom the first growing season. When planting blanket flower in a pot, it will be important to choose a container that is of adequate size. For the best bloom display, many gardeners prefer to place several plants into one larger pot. Container grown blanket flowers will require well-draining potting mix. Once the plants have become established, potted blanket flowers will require little care. These flowers are quite tolerant to periods of drought between watering. However, the need for water in container plantings may fluctuate throughout the season depending on weather, thus additional watering is generally required for container blanket flowers. For best results, avoid fertilization of blanket flower plants, as this may actually cause a decrease in flower blooms. Healthy blanket flowers in a pot will continue to bloom regardless of deadheading. Even so, many choose to complete this garden task in an effort to keep the containers looking neat and well maintained. These short-lived perennial plants will also need to be divided and repotted every two to three years to ensure longevity and many years of beautiful blooms.
