Species tickseed
pink-purple flowers with yellow-brown center, green leaves and stems

tickseed

Coreopsis rosea

Also Known As - pink tickseed
Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea) is an amazing plant species. Its cheery and dramatic deep rose-pink blooms are a sight to behold, creating a vibrant carpet of petals from summer to autumn. Easy-to-care for, it is drought tolerant and prefers a sunny site with well-drained soil. It also attracts action-packed pollinators, including bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Excellent at adding interest to garden beds and borders, it can be sown directly outdoors or grown in containers. Thriving in almost any soil, this striking plant is a must have for any budding gardener.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Pink rays with yellow disks Flowers

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy Rocky

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

When watering Coreopsis rosea, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. During the cooler months, water the plant once the soil feels dry to the touch. During the warmer months, water the plant an average of once a week or whenever the soil begins to feel dry. However, avoid overwatering the plant as this could cause rot and root damage. To check if the plant needs water, stick your finger in the soil about an inch or 2 beneath the surface. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your tickseed. It is important to note that the need for water may increase if the plant is in a very hot or windy environment.

sunlight

Tickseed is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and grows best in partial sun or full sun locations. Plants with 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day will have the best flowering. Plants placed in a location that receives less sunlight will often not flower or will produce fewer blossoms. While too much sunlight is not a problem, shade during the heat of the day will result in better flowering.

pruning

Tickseeds should be pruned twice a year, once in the spring and once in early summer. In the spring, deadheading (or pruning) is recommended. This is done by lightly trimming the spent blooms to encourage further blooming and healthy growth. Early summer pruning should focus on shape and size. Lightly prune off any dead growth and remove up to 1-third of the plant. Note that Tickseed plants can be cut back as much as 80% and still recover with healthy new growth.

Season

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

Coreopsis rosea typically blooms from June to September.

Starts Flowering

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

Coreopsis rosea typically blooms from June to September.

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.