When does Gilia capitata bloom?

Gilia capitata generally flowers from April through July, with rounded clusters of small blue blooms held on thin, wiry stems.

What pollinators visit Gilia capitata?

Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the dense, ball shaped clusters of blue flowers for nectar and pollen.

What growing conditions suit Gilia capitata best?

It does well in full sun with low water once established, and prefers sandy or well drained soil similar to open grassland and scrub habitats.

Can Gilia capitata be grown from seed?

Yes, it is typically direct sown in fall or early spring and germinates readily with cool, moist conditions ahead of its spring to summer bloom.

Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to dogs?

Blue Thimble-flower is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.

Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to cats?

Blue Thimble-flower is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.

Is Blue Thimble-flower HOA-friendly?

Blue Thimble-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Blue Thimble-flower

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Gilia capitata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Gilia capitata is a slender annual forb with round clusters of sky blue flowers that bloom from April through July, thriving in full sun and low water sites like dry grasslands and open slopes.

Blue Thimble-flower (Gilia capitata) is not flagged as toxic to dogs or cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, ID, OH and 4 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Blue thimble-flower is a charming native annual with delicate blue globe-shaped blooms atop slender stems. It grows 6-24 inches tall with a compact spread and flowers from spring through mid-summer. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun conditions and requires little water once established.

Growing Blue Thimble-flower

Grow Blue Thimble-flower in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blue Thimble-flower is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

May look sparse or leggy when not in bloom
Can self-seed and appear unintentional if not managed
Annual lifecycle requires seasonal replanting or allowing self-seeding

Wildlife value

Blue thimble-flower is highly attractive to native bees and butterflies, providing valuable nectar during its extended bloom period. Its small but abundant flowers create excellent pollinator habitat.

Common questions

When does Gilia capitata bloom?: Gilia capitata generally flowers from April through July, with rounded clusters of small blue blooms held on thin, wiry stems.
What pollinators visit Gilia capitata?: Bees and butterflies are the main visitors, attracted to the dense, ball shaped clusters of blue flowers for nectar and pollen.
What growing conditions suit Gilia capitata best?: It does well in full sun with low water once established, and prefers sandy or well drained soil similar to open grassland and scrub habitats.
Can Gilia capitata be grown from seed?: Yes, it is typically direct sown in fall or early spring and germinates readily with cool, moist conditions ahead of its spring to summer bloom.
Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to dogs?: Blue Thimble-flower is not flagged as toxic to dogs by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
Is Blue Thimble-flower toxic to cats?: Blue Thimble-flower is not flagged as toxic to cats by Plants For A Future (PFAF). This verdict does not come from the ASPCA.
Is Blue Thimble-flower HOA-friendly?: Blue Thimble-flower is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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