Species tickseed Guide
a pale-yellow flower with a green-yellow center and yellow stamens on a green stem

tickseed

Coreopsis palmata

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tickseed plants should be watered well when first planted and during establishment. After that, water them lightly when the soil surface feels dry about 1-2 inches deep. This usually translates to only once every 7-10 days. During hot and dry periods, tickseed plants may need more frequent watering. Monitor soil moisture near the crown area of the plant to assess how often to water.

sunlight

Tickseed (Coreopsis palmata) needs 4-6 hours of full sun per day, ideally in the morning or late afternoon. When the temperatures become too hot in warmer climates, midday and mid-afternoon sunlight should be avoided. Planting in the cooler months of spring and summer is ideal because the intense midday sunlight have a chance to become more bearable by that time. In cooler climates, 6-8 hours of sun a day is ideal. Plant in an area that receives morning sun, but provide some shade in the afternoon to prevent scorching.

pruning

Tickseed (Coreopsis palmata) should be pruned in late winter or early spring to reduce the size and shape the plant. Cut about a third of the tallest branches to help with airflow. This will also encourage more branching and thicker foliage. Deadheading (snipping off spent flowers) can also help promote further blooming. Be sure to use sharp pruning shears and dispose of cuttings properly. This will help to prevent infection or spread of disease.

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.