tickseed
Coreopsis 'Lightning Flash'
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
8 - 9
Flowers:
Yellow Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Easy
watering
Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Lightning Flash') is a sun loving, drought tolerant, and easy to grow plant. It thrives in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When it comes to watering, this plant does not need a lot of water. Water the plant deeply about once a week, making sure to thoroughly moisten the soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings. During periods of extreme heat and dryness, it is recommended to give the plant an extra deep watering. In cooler and milder conditions, it can go a bit longer between waterings. Bottom watering may also be helpful in keeping the roots moist. When watering with a hose, make sure to use the finger test to ensure that the soil is really wet and all the way through.
sunlight
Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Lightning Flash') prefers full sun, which means it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant thrives in the warm summer months, especially when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. In areas with hotter summers, partial or dappled shade may help the plant to survive and continue to flower. During winter months, if temperatures drop below 50°F, it is best to provide your tickseed with some additional protection, as it may not survive prolonged exposure to the cold.
pruning
Tickseed (Coreopsis ‘Lightning Flash’) should be pruned in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut the plant down to about half of its current size. This will encourage a fuller, bushier shape and also encourage more blooms. After the first flush of blooms, pruning can be done again to shape the plant and remove any dead or out of place branches. Deadheading is also recommend, as it encourages new buds and a longer flowering season. In the fall, any dead stems should be removed and the overall height of the plant should be reduced to ensure that new growth can take place in the following spring.
FAQ
Is tickseed a good choice for a wildflower garden?
Yes, tickseed is a great choice for a wildflower garden. This hardy annual boasts bright and cheerful daisy-like flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its drought tolerance and vigorous growth make it a perfect choice for creating a cheerful, sunny garden. Its ability to attract butterflies and beneficial pollinators will also help keep the garden lively.
Should tickseed be planted in a particular season?
Yes, tickseed should be planted in a particular season. The ideal time to plant tickseed is during late spring, when the soil has warmed to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be planted 1/4 inch deep in moist, well-drained soil that receives full sunlight. If planted in a frosty area, wait until all chance of frost has passed. Tickseed can be established either by direct-sowing or transplanting, and it should be watered regularly throughout the growing season to ensure the best results.
Could tickseed be grown in a container?
Yes, tickseed can be grown in a container. Plants from the Coreopsis species are an excellent choice for container gardens and are well suited for a sunny to part shady location. When growing tickseed in a container, be sure to use a soil-based potting mix, a large pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide, and ensure the pot is well-draining. Water the tickseed when the top inch of the soil has dried and fertilise the plants every two weeks during the growing season for best results. Additionally, be sure to regularly check the pot for root rot and adjust your watering as necessary.
Is tickseed an annual or perennial plant?
Tickseed, or coreopsis, is an example of a perennial plant. This means that it can come back year after year, as long as it is planted in the right environment, and will flower when in bloom. As a perennial plant, it can survive many different climates, although it flourishes best in warmer temperatures. It can also be used in many different types of gardens, both indoors and outdoors, as it needs minimal care. In short, tickseed is a beautiful, long-lasting addition to any garden that is sure to bring beauty for many years.
Could tickseed be used for cutting flowers?
Yes, tickseed can be used for cutting flowers. It has long stems, vibrant colors, and blooms for an extended period of time. The blooms can last up to three weeks in a vase, making it an excellent choice for flowers to display in the home. Additionally, tickseed often comes in a variety of colors including yellow, white, pink, orange, and red, so it can be used to create beautiful arrangements. With its long stems, bright colors, and extended bloom time, tickseed is a great flowering plant for creating beautiful, lasting cut flower arrangements.
Do tickseeds need to be deadheaded?
Yes, ticksseeds need to be deadheaded in order to promote a healthy looking garden. Deadheading is the process of removing dead flower heads from a plant to encourage more vigorous, productive growth. By removing the dead flower heads, plants can focus on producing healthier, more productive flower and seed production throughout the growing season. So, it's important to regularly deadhead your ticksseed plants to promote flowering, increase disease resistance, and reduce the spread of unwanted or invasive plants.
Should tickseed be grown from seeds or transplants?
Tickseed can be grown from both seeds and transplants. Growing from seeds will give you the advantage of having a wider variety of cultivars to choose from, while growing from transplants will give you instant gratification since they will start growing and blooming quickly. Growing from seeds will take time and patience as they can take several weeks to germinate and grow. Transplants, however, should be planted right away when they are available since they have a much better chance of surviving and establishing themselves. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Could tickseed be grown in a meadow?
Yes, tickseed can be grown in a meadow. Traditionally, tickseeds are planted in areas that are sunny, have well-drained soil, and have a long growing season. Meadows naturally provide ample sunlight, moderate soil drainage, and suitable growing conditions making them a good habitat for tickseed. This daisy-like flower blooms in the spring and early summer and can provide striking color in a meadow setting. Furthermore, the hardy, low-maintenance nature of tickseed makes it a good candidate for meadow cultivation.
