Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Tickseed
Latin Name: Coreopsis verticillata
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–9. Older plants may die back to ground in colder zones and perform more aggressively and reseed in warmer zones
Typical Height: 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Typical Spread: 12–24 in (30–60 cm)
Bloom Period: Summer to early fall in many regions
Soil Preferences: Well drained, average to sandy soils. Tolerates dry soils. Poorly drained heavy clay causes decline or crown rot
Light Preferences: Full sun for best flowering. Tolerates light afternoon shade but flowers less in shade
Toxicity: No widespread reports of serious toxicity to humans or pets. May cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten and handle plants with normal garden hygiene
Propagation: Seed, division in spring or fall, and softwood or basal cuttings. Divide every few years to renew plants

Key Facts

Perennial flowering plant in the aster family
Fine, feathery foliage that forms mounds
Daisy like flowers usually in yellow or gold
Blooms mainly in summer with repeat or extended bloom in many gardens
Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Tolerant of heat and drought once established
Prefers well drained soils and full sun

Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata) is a perennial in the aster family with fine feathery foliage and bright daisy like flowers that are usually yellow or gold. It blooms mainly in summer and draws bees and butterflies. Plants form low mounds and are prized for long season color in sunny, well drained spots.

Identification

Tickseed is a herbaceous perennial with finely divided, feathery leaves that form low mounds and daisy like blooms on wiry stems. Typical plants reach about 12 to 24 inches tall and spread roughly the same distance. Flowers are usually yellow or gold and appear through the summer with repeat bloom in many gardens.

Best uses and where to grow

Use tickseed for sunny borders, pollinator beds, rock gardens and mass plantings where a low, long blooming mound is wanted. It performs well in hot, dry sites once established and is a good choice where drought tolerance matters. In colder zones plants may die back to the ground in winter and in warm climates it can reseed.

Planting and spacing

Plant in spring after the last hard frost or in fall where winters are mild. Space plants about 12 to 24 inches apart to match their mature spread and allow air flow. Division every few years restores vigor and helps control size. Seed and cuttings also produce new plants when needed.

Water and soil

Tickseed prefers well drained, average to sandy soils and tolerates dry conditions once established. Consistent overwatering or heavy wet clay causes reduced vigor and can lead to crown rot. In well draining soil plants show healthy foliage and steady flowering while poor drainage causes yellowing and decline.

After flowering care

Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and keep plants tidy. Cut plants back in late season to clear old growth and reduce winter debris. Divide older clumps in spring or fall to renew flowering and limit spread. In colder zones expect top growth to die back and regrow the following spring.

Controlling spread and propagation

Tickseed forms low mounds and commonly spreads one to two feet depending on cultivar. In warmer climates plants may reseed and naturalize where conditions suit them. Control spread by removing seedlings and dividing clumps every few years. Propagate by seed, by division in spring or fall and from softwood or basal cuttings.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Tickseed grow?: Growth rate varies by climate and cultivar. Plants often reach their mature mound and flower in the first full season in favorable conditions while establishment can be slower in colder sites.
How much sun does Tickseed need?: Full sun produces the best flowering. Light afternoon shade is tolerated but bloom and vigor usually decrease in shadier spots.
Is Tickseed drought tolerant?: Yes. Once established tickseed tolerates heat and dry conditions. Young plants need regular water until roots develop and show steady growth.
Does Tickseed spread or become invasive?: Tickseed can reseed and perform more aggressively in warmer zones but it is not widely reported as invasive. Division and removal of seedlings keep it in check.
Is Tickseed safe for pets?: No widespread reports of serious toxicity exist. It can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Verify safety for particular cultivars with local poison control or the ASPCA database.