Tickseed Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunfire'

Water

Tickseed plants, including Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunfire', prefer to be watered deeply and infrequently as they are relatively drought tolerant. It is best to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Providing about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or by manual watering, should be sufficient. During the hot summer months or in particularly dry conditions, you may need to water twice per week. On average, this would mean using approximately 0.625 gallons of water for a square foot every week during regular weather conditions, adjusting as necessary for heat or drought.

Light

Tickseed thrives best in full sunlight, which means at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. It should be planted in a spot that receives unobstructed sunshine throughout the day to ensure it grows vigorously and produces abundant blooms. If placed in too much shade, the plant may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Tickseed is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are quite hardy, surviving minimum winter temperatures down to around -30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods may stress the plant, requiring occasional supplemental watering to keep the plant hydrated and healthy.

Pruning

Pruning Tickseed is necessary to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. In late summer or early fall, lightly prune or pinch back the tips to help maintain the plant's shape and encourage a fall rebirth of flowers. An overall trim in late winter or early spring, cutting the plants back by one-third, will prepare them for the growing season ahead.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Tickseed thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.1 and 6.5. Organic compost can be added to enrich the soil.

Repotting

Tickseed typically does not require frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or as needed when it outgrows its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Tickseed is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements; average room humidity is sufficient.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure full to partial sunlight and good air circulation for healthy growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and space plants 12 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunfire', commonly known as Tickseed 'Sunfire', begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in late winter to early spring or when new plants are propagated through division. The germination stage follows, with seedlings emerging in warm soil conditions and developing their first set of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it establishes a strong root system and grows rapidly, producing a mound of foliage. Flowering occurs in the early summer to midsummer, with bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, which mature and can be collected for propagation or naturally disperse to begin a new generation. In late autumn, the perennial Tickseed 'Sunfire' may die back to the ground, only to regrow from its root system the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sunfire', commonly known as Tickseed, is a popular perennial that can be propagated through different methods, but division is the most popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. Division is best performed in early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate through division, dig up the entire clump of the plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-drained soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. After replanting, water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish the root system, taking care not to overwater and cause rot. Division not only helps propagate Tickseed but also invigorates older plants that may have become woody or less prolific in the center.