Tickseed, Pot of Gold

Tickseed make great cut flowers.

One of the common names, “Tickseed” refers to the shape of the seeds.

A good choice to plant on borders, effective in naturalized areas, native plant gardens or cottage gardens.

Its natural habitat: Gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, prairies and meadows..

Tickseed has over 100 species and many hybrids that can come in either annual or perennial. They are low maintenance, adapt to many types of soils and have a long bloom time, usually from early summer to fall. They come in a variety of colours such as red, pink, yellow, orange or white.

Propagating Coreopsis

Plant in early spring when the risk of frost has passed. Annuals will bloom in the first year, whereas perennials won’t bloom until the second year. They prefer full sun and well-drained soils. To plant using seeds, start the seeds indoors roughly 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Plant about 1/2 inch deep and place in sunlight. They will need to be acclimatized to the outdoors for a week or two.

Caring for Tickseed, Pot of Gold

Cutting of spent flowers in late summer tends to encourage a fall rebloom. Remove any sprawling or unkempt foliage. Some plants can spread aggressively by both rhizomes and self-seeding.

Companion plant suggestions include Many flowering plants in garden settings. Combine for color.

Pruning Coréopsis

Perennial tickseed can be propagated by division, which is best done in early spring or fall. If you deadhead, or cut the spent blooms, flowers will keep coming.

Other

Tickseed are relatively disease and pest free, but can be inhabited by slugs during moist seasons. Simply ensure quality air flow to divert this pest.

Coreopsis, meanning “always cheerful” was used by Natives to make dyes. It was also boiled into teas before the invention of coffee.

References:

https://www.thespruce.com/growing-and-using-coreopsis-in-the-flower-garden-1402839