How to Grow Coreopsis
Perennial
Coreopsis, often called tickseed, is a cheerful North American wildflower prized for its daisy-like blooms in shades of golden yellow, pink, red, and bicolor. US gardeners grow it for its long flowering season, easy care, and toughness in hot, dry sites. It is a magnet for bees and butterflies, which makes it a favorite in pollinator and native plant gardens.
Planting
Plant coreopsis in full sun, at least six hours of direct light per day, in average, well-drained soil; it tolerates poor and sandy ground but dislikes soggy roots. Set out nursery transplants in spring after the last frost has passed, or start seed indoors six to eight weeks before that date and move seedlings out once the weather settles. You can also sow seed directly in the garden in spring once the soil has warmed, pressing it lightly into the surface since it needs light to sprout. Space plants about twelve to eighteen inches apart to allow good air movement and room to fill in.
Care
Water new plantings regularly to help them settle in, then cut back to occasional deep watering once established, since coreopsis is quite drought tolerant and rots in constantly wet soil. It thrives in lean ground and rarely needs feeding; a light spring topdressing of compost is plenty, and rich soil often produces floppy, weak growth. Deadhead spent blooms through the season, or shear the whole plant back by about one third after the first heavy flush to spark a fresh round of flowers. In late fall or early spring, cut old stems to the ground, and divide crowded clumps every two to three years in spring to keep them vigorous.
Bloom time
Coreopsis blooms from early summer into fall, often for two to three months or more. Regular deadheading or a midseason shearing keeps flowers coming right up until frost.
Garden uses
It works beautifully in sunny borders, cottage gardens, meadow plantings, and containers, and the long, wiry stems make excellent cut flowers. Because it draws bees and butterflies, it is a strong choice for pollinator gardens.
Tips
Give coreopsis lean soil and hold back on rich feeding, as too much results in floppy stems and fewer blooms. Taller types may lean in wind or shade, so plant them in full sun and among neighbors that offer gentle support rather than staking. Leaving a few seed heads in fall feeds goldfinches and lets the plants self-sow, which helps short-lived types renew themselves over the years.
General guidance for US gardens. Timing and hardiness vary by region; check your local frost dates and hardiness zone. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.