Species tickseed
light-purple flowers with yellow center, yellow buds, green leaves and yellow stems

tickseed

Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream'

Also Known As - pink tickseed
The Tickseed, or Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream' is an amazing plant that's sure to make your garden stand out. It produces an abundance of bright pink and yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall, and the clusters of flowers attract an array of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Its delicate foliage is a deep green, making it a perfect contrast to the bright colors of the flowers. This drought-tolerant plant flourishes in a variety of soils and is tolerant of partial shade, so it's the ideal choice for tight spaces or difficult growing conditions. And, to top it off, it's super easy to care for! Add the Tickseed to your garden for a pop of color all season long.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Pink rays with yellow disks Flowers

Sun:

full 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

Tickseed should be watered moderately and consistently. This species is considered resistant to drought, but likes an evenly moist soil. Water the soil, rather than the foliage, until the soil is moist down to 1-2 inches in depth – about twice a week in most climates. During periods of high temperatures, increased water and more frequent blooms can be achieved with weekly or even daily watering. On extremely hot days, it's beneficial to give the plant a light spray of water on the foliage to reduce leaf temperatures and humidity around the plant. During the winter months, reduce watering to once or twice a month or as needed.

sunlight

Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream') requires full sun for the best growth and flowering. This species does not tolerate shade and needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, although more is beneficial. During the peak of summer, it needs some protection from the most intense midday sun to keep from getting overly stressed. Along with plenty of sunshine, tickseed needs consistent watering for optimal growth and blooming.

pruning

Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream' should be pruned back to 1 third to 1 half its size. The goal is to promote vigorous and bushy growth, prevent the plant from becoming leggy, and encourage lots of blooms. When pruning, always cut down to a set of 5 healthy leaves. You can also pinch off the base of the stems to encourage side branching and fuller growth once the shoots have emerged from the nodes.

Season

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

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream' is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Coreopsis rosea 'American Dream' is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

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.