How to Care for Tickseed Flowers
Tickseed, also known as Coreopsis or Tickweed, is a species of perennial herb native to North America. It typically grows to about 12 inches in height and produces large, yellow flowers throughout the summer. Tickseed flowers live for 2 to 3 years if given the proper care, and are hardy in zones 4 through 9. They are fairly disease- and drought-resistant, and attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Plant tickseed flowers during early spring in a location that receives full sunlight throughout the day. Spread 2 inches of organic compost over the site prior to planting and use a garden tiller to incorporate it into the soil. Allow at least 8 inches of space between each tickseed planting.
- Tickseed, also known as Coreopsis or Tickweed, is a species of perennial herb native to North America.
- Tickseed flowers live for 2 to 3 years if given the proper care, and are hardy in zones 4 through 9.
Water tickseed flowers once per week during spring, summer and fall, but only on weeks that don't receive at least 2 inches of rainfall. Reduce frequency to once per month during winter.
Feed tickseed once per year in early spring using a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. Apply half the recommended dosage, as too much fertilizer reduces the number of blooms. Follow the manufacturer's directions for proper application.
Encourage additional flowering by trimming the plant to about 1 inch below each dead blossom, and new growth will replace it shortly after. Continue throughout the blooming season to maximize flower production.
- Water tickseed flowers once per week during spring, summer and fall, but only on weeks that don't receive at least 2 inches of rainfall.
- Feed tickseed once per year in early spring using a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer.
Cut tickseed flowers back to the ground immediately after the tops are killed by frost. Cover with a 1-inch layer of mulch to insulate the soil and protect the root system throughout thewinter. Remove the mulch in early spring, just before growth starts.
Tip
Use a thick mulch such as shredded cedar bark to increase protection.
Do not cut the flowers off if self-propagation is desired. The flowers will turn to seed and new plants will bloom in the immediate area, however they may not resemble the parent plant.
References
- University of Illinois Extension: Tickseed
- Maryland Cooperative Extension: Coreopsis Production and Consumer Care
- "Indiana Gardener's Guide;" Joellen Sharp, Tom Tyler; 2004
Tips
- Use a thick mulch such as shredded cedar bark to increase protection.
- Do not cut the flowers off if self-propagation is desired. The flowers will turn to seed and new plants will bloom in the immediate area, however they may not resemble the parent plant.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.