Coreopsis is an easy to grow perennial that loves full sun and can thrive in many types of soil. These native colormakers range from the familiar sunny yellow variety to a host of eye-catching bicolors. Dependably perennial, these are tough plants that tolerate dry, hot weather and deliver long-lasting blooms. Pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant. Other common names are pot-of-gold and tickseed.
A member of the Asteraceae family, blooms of growing coreopsis are similar to those of the daisy. Colors of petals include red, pink, white and yellow, many with dark brown or maroon centers, which makes an interesting contrast to the petals.
Coreopsis is native to the United States and 33 species are known and listed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service of USDA on their website’s plant database. Coreopsis is the state wildflower of Florida, but many varieties are hardy up to USDA plant hardiness zone 4.
How to Grow Coreopsis Plants
It is easy to grow coreopsis from seed. Simply seed a prepared area of un-amended soil in spring in a full sun location. Seeds of coreopsis plants need light to germinate, so cover lightly with soil or perlite or simply press seeds into moist soil. Keep the seeds of coreopsis plants watered until germination, usually within 21 days. Care of coreopsis may include misting the seeds for moisture. Sowing plants in succession will allow for an abundance of growing coreopsis. Coreopsis plants may also be started from cuttings from spring to mid-summer.
Care of coreopsis is simple once flowers are established. For production of more flowers, deadhead the spent blooms. Growing coreopsis may be cut back by one-third in late summer for a continued display of blooms. As with many native plants, coreopsis care is limited to occasional watering during extreme drought, along with the deadheading and trimming described above. Fertilization of growing coreopsis is not needed, and too much fertilizer may limit flower production.
