Coreopsis Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora)

Tickseed / Coreopsis (Perennial)

Coreopsis (Tickseed)

​These vivid, yellow flowers almost glow in the sunlight against their dark green foliage. Easy to grow and exceptionally hardy, they make a fantastic choice for prairie plantings, butterfly gardens, or as bright, cheerful cut flowers.

Fast Facts & Folklore

• ​Common Names: Bigflower Coreopsis, Tickseed Coreopsis
• Latin Name: Coreopsis grandiflora
• ​Origin & Type: US Native Wildflower / Perennial
• ​USDA Zones: 3–10 across nearly all US regions
• ​Sunlight & Height: Full Sun | 16 Inches tall
• ​Bloom Season: Early to Late Summer
• ​Special Traits: Attracts pollinators and butterflies, deer and rabbit resistant, thrives in dry soil and heat.
• ​State Pride: Because of their hardiness and love of dry soil, citizens of Florida appointed Coreopsis as their official state wildflower in 1991!
• ​Name Origin: The common name “tickseed” (and the genus name Coreopsis, from the Greek koris) comes from the small bug-like resemblance of the seeds.

How to Grow Coreopsis

• ​Sowing: Direct sow in late fall, planting just below the surface since these seeds need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and refrigerate for 30 days before sowing, keeping soil moist until germination (10–15 days). They can also be started indoors 6–8 weeks before the last spring frost on the surface of a flat at 65°F.
• ​Growing & Care: Extremely adaptable to rocky, shallow, or seaside conditions. Water seedlings occasionally; mature plants love dry soil and handle drought and heat wonderfully. Tip: Avoid over-watering or overly rich soil, which can cause the plants to flop. Cut back by half midseason if blooming slows down, and deadhead regularly for extended flowers. Divide every few years in spring or fall.
• ​Harvesting: Cut long stems and place them in water immediately for long-lasting fresh bouquets.
• ​Seed Saving: Harvest promptly a few weeks after flowers fade when seed heads turn dry and dark brown (before songbirds and rodents eat them!). Spread to dry, break apart to remove seeds from the chaff, and store in a cool, dry place.