Species tickseed
a bright-yellow flower with an orange-yellow center

tickseed

Coreopsis pubescens

Tickseed (Coreopsis pubescens) is an amazing plant species due to its many attributes! It is native to the southeastern and south-central United States, and is easily grown in well-drained soils. It produces masses of butter-yellow flowers in the summer and stays evergreen both in its foliage and structural shape all winter. Its daisy-like petals are beloved for adding beauty and color to gardens, while its ability to attract birds, bees, and beneficial insects ensures it’s vital to the ecosystem. Plus, its stems are covered in sticky hairs making it one of the best plants to keep pests away!

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow rays and darker yellow center Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tickseed requires frequent watering, especially during the summer. The best practice for watering a tickseed is to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. It is best to water deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During periods of high heat, the frequency of watering may have to be increased. In the winter months, water your tickseed about once a month. Monitor the soil moisture when temperatures are cooler to ensure the plant is not becoming too dry.

sunlight

Tickseed (Coreopsis pubescens) prefers bright sunlight and grows best in full sun. It can tolerate some shade as well, but will flower best in full sun. It flowers almost continuously throughout the warmer months, especially during the hottest summer days. The plant should receive at least 4 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. If the plant starts to show signs of stress, such as yellowing of leaves, it may be lacking in sunlight and should be moved to a brighter area.

pruning

Tickseed (Coreopsis pubescens) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning should be done moderately to create a mounded, well-rounded shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches and prune back the stems that have grown too long, making sure to leave several sets of leaves on each stem. After pruning, turn the soil and add a light application of fertilizer to promote healthy flowers in the summer.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Coreopsis pubescens typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Coreopsis pubescens typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

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.