I'm not sure what you mean by the outside portions, but if you brush the seed heads with you hand, you should see a bunch of little shuttlecocks come off the seed head if it's ready to collect. The viable ones are the ones with cones that are fat, and with silvery short fur on the outside. The overall appearance is more white than brown, although it's probably brown (or black - but not green) under the fur.

And be careful, they can stick you with their little hairs and it itches! Doesn't stop me though, hives and all!

I found out the hard way -- I have an allergic reaction to them too.

They should be white -- I let mine dry on the plant and clip the dried flower head off into a brown paper bag.

JR

Can gaillardia goblin be started from seed? How long to germination, bloom time? This was my first gaillardia and I really like it. Would like to save some seed for next year. Can they be wintersown? I've never tried this but since reading of all the success stories, I think I'm going to try a few things this winter.

kqcrna, i WS'd Goblin this year and started getting blooms just a few days ago (did not expect them until next year). i'll be WSing those again and trying several other varieties next year.

Thank you, mudbucket. I think I'll save some seed and try next winter.

Karen

My goblin did not bloom until the second year. I don't know why.