Tickseed Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'
ABOUT
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' is a vibrant and showy plant known for its eye-catching flowers and lush foliage. This plant is commonly referred to as tickseed. The flowers boast a classic daisy-like form, characterized by bright yellow petals that radiate around a darker yellow-to-brownish central disk. The petals are broad and overlap each other, creating a full and rounded appearance that adds to the plant's visual appeal. The foliage of tickseed is equally lovely, consisting of slender, green leaves that are finely textured. They form a dense and bushy backdrop for the sunny blossoms, contributing to the plant's overall lush and healthy look. The leaves may have a slightly hairy appearance, which adds to the texture of the plant. Tickseed blooms generously, often producing a profusion of flowers that cover the plant, creating a vibrant splash of yellow in the garden. The blossoms are generally consistent in shape and color, offering a uniform look that is highly desirable for gardeners looking to create visual impact. As a perennial, tickseed is known to return year after year, bringing its joyful color to the landscape each growing season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Tickseed, Large-flowered Tickseed, Early Sunrise Coreopsis
Common names
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise'.
ToxicityTo humans
Coreopsis grandiflora, commonly known as large-flowered tickseed, is not generally considered toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not lead to poisoning or serious adverse health consequences. As with any non-food plant, individual sensitivities can vary, so it's advisable to avoid eating the plant as a precaution.
To pets
Large-flowered tickseed is not known to be toxic to pets. If a pet ingests this plant, it is unlikely to suffer from any serious poisoning symptoms. However, individual animals may have sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants should generally be avoided to ensure the safety and well-being of your pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' is known for its ability to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: With proper care, the 'Early Sunrise' variety can provide bright yellow flowers from early summer into fall.
- Low Maintenance: Coreopsis grandiflora generally requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is often resistant to deer browsing, which is beneficial for gardens in areas where deer are common.
- Soil Adaptability: It can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Landscape Versatility: Suitable for borders, wildflower meadows, and containers, this plant can enhance various garden designs.
- Easy Propagation: It is relatively easy to propagate from seed or by dividing the clumps, allowing gardeners to increase their stock.
- Vibrant Color: The bright yellow flowers add a splash of color to the garden, creating an eye-catching display.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements, lasting well in a vase.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', commonly known as Tickseed, can be used to produce a natural dye. The flowers, when boiled, yield a rich, golden dye that is used in textile coloring.
- Garden Pest Repellant: Tickseed has a reputation for repelling certain garden pests due to its unique scent, although it is not the primary use of the plant.
- Companion Planting: Tickseed is often used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which in turn help to pollinate nearby plants in the garden.
- Educational Tool: In educational gardens or programs, Tickseed can be utilized to teach about plant life cycles, pollination, and the importance of native flora in ecosystems.
- Floral Crafts: The bright, sunny flowers of Tickseed are commonly used in dried floral arrangements and crafts, providing a long-lasting splash of color.
- Decorative Borders: With its compact growth and colorful blooms, Tickseed is used to create attractive borders along walkways or garden beds.
- Soil Erosion Control: The Tickseed's dense growth can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks in landscapes.
- Culinary Garnish: While not widely known for culinary uses, the vibrant flowers of Tickseed can be used as an edible garnish to add color to salads or desserts.
- Nature Photography: Tickseed's bold flowers and its attractiveness to butterflies and bees make it a popular subject for nature photography enthusiasts.
- Mood Enhancement: The bright and cheerful appearance of the Tickseed flowers can be used in horticultural therapy to improve mood and provide a calming effect on individuals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiTickseed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityTickseed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism: Coreopsis is often associated with hope and positivity. The vibrant yellow of 'Early Sunrise' Coreopsis grandiflora represents a sunny outlook and the plant's propensity to remain lush and full reflects an optimistic future.
- Love: In floral language, Coreopsis can symbolize love, making the 'Early Sunrise' variety a cheerful symbol of affection.
- Cheerfulness: The bright, sunny colors of the 'Early Sunrise' Coreopsis evoke a sense of cheerfulness, enhancing its symbolism for joy and good spirits.
- Longevity: Coreopsis plants are known for their long blooming season, which symbolizes endurance and long life.
WaterTickseed plants, like the Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, watering once a week with approximately 1 inch of water should suffice. In hotter, drier periods, they may need more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Adjust your watering schedule according to weather conditions, making sure the plant receives a deep watering that reaches the roots without leaving the plant in standing water. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing.
LightTickseed thrives best in full sunlight, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth and flowering. A spot in your garden that receives unfiltered sunshine for most of the day would be ideal. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in extremely hot climates, but their flowering may be reduced in lesser light conditions.
TemperatureTickseed is well-adapted to a wide range of temperatures and can survive minimum temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ideal growing temperatures range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate higher temperatures as well, making it suitable for many climates. Ensure that the plant is not exposed to extremely cold winds or frost without some form of protection, such as mulch or a frost cloth.
PruningPruning Tickseed is primarily done to shape the plant, remove spent flower heads, and encourage additional blooming. Prune or deadhead regularly during the blooming season to promote continuous flowers. Cutting back the plant by one-third in midsummer can rejuvenate tired plants and prepare them for the fall flowering period. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTickseed thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7. The best mix for 'Early Sunrise' would include loamy soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
RepottingTickseed, being a perennial, typically does not require frequent repotting. Repot 'Early Sunrise' every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current container or shows signs of declining health.
Humidity & Misting'Early Sunrise' Tickseed prefers average ambient humidity and does not have specific humidity requirements. It grows well in outdoor environments where the humidity is typical of temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light; ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', commonly known as “Early Sunrise Tickseed”, begins with seed germination, usually happening in spring when soil temperatures warm up. After germination, the seedling phase follows, during which the plant develops its initial root system and foliage. The vegetative stage comes next, characterized by substantial leaf and stem growth, preparing the plant for flowering. Subsequently, the blooming stage occurs, typically in late spring or early summer, where vibrant yellow flowers emerge and attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant enters the seed production stage, developing seeds that are then dispersed for the next generation. Lastly, as a perennial plant, 'Early Sunrise' may go dormant during the cold winter months, conserving its energy to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise', commonly known as Tickseed, is through seed. To propagate Tickseed by seed, the ideal time is in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Start by scattering seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, pressing them lightly into the soil but not covering them as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 70°F (21°C). Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings have grown sufficiently and there's no risk of frost, they can be thinned and transplanted outdoors to a sunny location with well-draining soil.
