Species tickseed
lavender-maroon flowers with orange-brown center, green leaves and stems

tickseed

Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams'

Also Known As - pink tickseed
Tickseed, or Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams', is an amazing plant species to grow in gardens. It has vibrant and fragrant daisy-like flowers with maroon centers and petals in shades of pink and white. It blooms from late spring through early fall, giving your garden a nice splash of color throughout the season. Not only is it beautiful, but it's versatile and easily adapts to a variety of climates and soils. It's drought and heat resistant and requires very little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

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:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Tickseed plants, specifically Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams', require moderate to regular watering for best results. Water the plants deeply once per week with 1-2 inches of water. An additional light watering during summer months may be necessary, especially if the weather is hot and dry. During the winter months, watering should be cut back to every other week or less. It's important to make sure the soil drains well and not to keep the plant in standing water.

sunlight

Tickseed (Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams') grows best when planted in well-draining soil in an area of full sun. Planting in an area with full sun will ensure that the tickseed receives ample light from the sun. The flowering annual prefers at least 8 hours of sunlight each day, with 6 to 8 hours being acceptable in many growing zones. During the peak hours of midday when the sun is directly overhead, some shade provided by trees or structures is appreciated. Too much direct sunlight at this time of day can damage the foliage and flowers. When the temperature rises, tickseed plants appreciate some afternoon shade.

pruning

Tickseed should be pruned in early to mid-spring, when new growth begins to appear. Pruning should be done once every 2-3 years to keep the plant looking its best. When pruning, remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches, as well as any that cross over or rub against each other. This will help promote air circulation and stop the spread of disease within the plant. Prune back 1/3 of the plant each year to keep the desired shape and encourage new growth. Depending on the desired size of the plant, it can be pruned to any height, however it should not be cut back more than 2/3 of the way. Pruning tickseed will help improve the health and vigor of the plant, and keep it blooming for a longer period of time.

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 'Sweet Dreams' is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Coreopsis rosea 'Sweet Dreams' 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.