Tickseed

Cindy called in and asked me to write about the flowering perennial called tickseed this week.

Tickseed the common name is called Coreopsis in most garden books. This plant has a brilliant daisy like yellow flower commonly. I do not know why we call it tickseed but a bloodsucking tick seems to survive almost anywhere.

This could be said of tickseed because it is drought tolerant and can withstand excess moisture. One should note that the plant will not tolerate prolong wet soils though. The plant will also grow in full sun to partial shade. Full sun will increase the floral display.

This plant will grow near 2 feet tall. It will also flower all summer with sufficient moisture. This native American plant is found throughout North America today. In some locations it is reported to be evasive though.

Care of this plant is simple. It requires little fertilizer or water once established. Increased bloom will be the result if the plant is deadheaded. Clumps of this plant should be divided at least every 4 years in the fall.

Tickseed is a great choice for containers, since it will tolerate dry conditions. The flowers are great for cut arrangements, as well, if kept in water.

So add a Coreopsis to your favorite garden area, their prolonged bloom is the reward. Of course, its requirement for little care makes it great for any garden.