Coreopsis 'Red Elf' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
tickseed
Coreopsis 'Red Elf'
Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Red Elf') is an amazing plant species that will brighten the garden with its cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers. Its hardy nature makes it an excellent choice for a variety of planting areas - whether in a bed, or in a border, it will add a splash of color throughout the growing season. It is also a low-maintenance plant, requiring only periodic trimming to keep its neat shape. Not only is it beautiful, but its flowers attract an array of helpful pollinators including beneficial bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Its drought-tolerance makes it an ideal choice for dry areas and its heat and humidity hardiness make it fit for any climate. All in all, Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Red Elf') is an excellent plant species that will provide color, beauty, and ecosystem benefits to any outdoor space.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Minimum
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Red with yellow center disks Flowers
Sun:
Full sun
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Moderate
watering
Tickseeds prefer regular and even watering for healthy growth. Water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Water thoroughly until you see the water coming out of the drainage holes of the pot or you can submerge the entire pot in a bucket of water if it’s in the ground. During the growing season, plan to water your Coreopsis ‘Red Elf’ every 3-4 days. If there is a long period of drought, you may want to water your plant every other day. In winter, you can reduce watering frequency; every 10-14 days should be sufficient.
sunlight
Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Red Elf') needs full sun for optimum growth. This plant will do best in a spot that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can also tolerate some partial shade, but the flower production and foliage growth will be reduced without the strong direct sunlight. If you are growing this plant indoors or in a greenhouse, use a high-energy standard fluorescent light bulb to provide the necessary direct natural sunlight. Place the bulb approximately 8-12 inches above the plant and give it 16-18 hours of light per day.
pruning
Tickseed (Coreopsis 'Red Elf') should be pruned regularly throughout the season in order to keep it healthy and to promote increased flowering. Pruning should be done in early spring (March/April) and mid-summer (July/August). In early spring, cut the stems back to about 1 to 2 inches from the ground to encourage more branching out in the plant. In mid-summer, prune the stems that have fewer flowers, as well as cutting any spindly stems or old, dead flower heads off. This will promote further flowering all season long and prevent the plant from getting leggy. It is important not to overly prune your Tickseed, as it can discourage flowering and cause the plant to become thin and weakened. When pruning, always use clean, sharp pruning tools to reduce the chance of damaging the plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Coreopsis 'Red Elf' 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.
