Coreopsis is a classic garden flower that blooms in lovely shades of yellow, gold, orange, red and pink. These cheerful tickseed flowers shine in beds, borders and containers from early summer well into fall. If you’re wondering whether fall is a good time to get these perennials started from seed, you’ve come to the right place! In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to successfully plant coreopsis seeds in the fall for gorgeous color next year.
An Overview of Coreopsis
First, let’s look at some background on coreopsis Also called tickseed, these plants got their common name from the resemblance of their seeds to ticks The genus contains both annual and perennial species.
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Coreopsis perennials are long-lived plants that come back year after year. They spread via rhizomatous roots to form attractive clumps.
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Annual coreopsis completes its entire lifecycle in one season, blooming, setting seed, and dying. Some annual types readily reseed.
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Flower colors include sunny yellow, gold, burnt orange, red, pink, white and bicolors. The daisy-like blooms have a central disc and outer petals.
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Most coreopsis thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, They are hardy in Zones 3-9
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Flowers appear in summer and continue into fall, providing months of vibrant color. Deadheading prolongs bloom time.
Now let’s look at the benefits and considerations of planting coreopsis seeds in the fall.
The Benefits of Fall Planting Coreopsis
Fall can actually be an ideal time to get coreopsis seeds started in areas with cold winters. Here are some of the advantages:
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Gives seeds a head start – Fall planting allows time to germinate and establish before winter dormancy. They’ll have an early start in spring.
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Avoids the spring rush – Seeds can be planted at leisure in fall rather than scrambling amidst spring gardening tasks.
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Extends bloom season – Fall-planted coreopsis may bloom a few weeks earlier than spring-sown, gaining more weeks of flower time.
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Better seedling survival – Seeds that germinate in fall have higher overwintering success than spring-germinated plants since growth is gradual.
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Full sun exposure – More abundant fall sun benefits germination and growth before winter slowdown.
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Natural cold stratification – Winter cold and dampness helps break seed dormancy through natural stratification, supporting better germination when warmth returns.
When to Plant Coreopsis Seeds in Fall
Coreopsis seeds can be direct sown into garden beds from late summer through early fall. However, timing depends on your USDA plant hardiness zone.
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In Zones 3-4, plant seeds 8-10 weeks before your average first fall frost so they establish before winter.
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In warmer Zones 5-9, you can sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the first frost since plants grow longer into winter.
Check your local frost dates and count backwards from the first fall frost to determine your optimal fall planting window.
How to Plant Coreopsis Seeds in Fall
Follow these tips for success planting coreopsis seeds in the fall:
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Prepare a site in full sun with well-drained soil. Amend with compost if needed.
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Direct sow seeds into beds. Don’t cover them since coreopsis needs light to germinate.
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Space seeds 8-12 inches apart to account for growth. Gently water after planting.
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Consider sowing perennial and annual varieties for first year flowers from annuals and long-term color from perennials.
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Use row covers over beds for extra frost protection and to moderate winter temperatures.
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In very cold climates, also apply several inches of shredded bark or leaf mulch for insulation.
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Water carefully over winter, avoiding frozen or waterlogged soils that can heave plants.
Caring for Coreopsis Seeded in Fall
With proper care, coreopsis sown in fall will thrive:
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Lightly water during winter warm spells so plants don’t prematurely break dormancy.
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Remove row covers in early spring as shoots emerge. Loosen carefully to avoid damage.
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Once actively growing, water, and feed with balanced fertilizer.
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Weed and mulch around seedlings in summer to conserve moisture.
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Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering from early summer through fall.
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After the first flush of flowers, shear plants by one-third to encourage reblooming.
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Allow seedheads to form on annual varieties to self-sow for future years.
Tips for Success with Fall Coreopsis Seeds
Here are some handy tips to optimize your results with fall-planted coreopsis:
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Choose quick-growing annual coreopsis for more first-year flowers. C. tinctoria and C. grandiflora are great options.
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For stronger plants, start seeds in cell packs or pots indoors, harden off, and transplant in fall.
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Use row cover fabric over beds to regulate soil temperature and protect from heavy frosts.
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Grow early spring flowers like heath (Erica carnea) near coreopsis for continuous color.
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Mix compost or leaf mold into soil before planting to improve drainage.
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Mulch around new seedlings after hard frosts to insulate plant roots from extreme cold.
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Avoid fall fertilizing which can spur growth too late into winter. Fertilize when active in spring.
Good Coreopsis Varieties for Fall Planting
Many coreopsis species and cultivars are excellent choices for fall seeding. Here are some top recommendations:
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Coreopsis lanceolata – Early blooming yellow perennial, grows 12-15 inches tall.
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C. grandiflora – Large yellow annual blooms, 18-30 inches tall. Often reseeds.
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C. auriculata ‘Nana’ – Dwarf yellow perennial, just 4-6 inches tall.
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C. tinctoria – Native annual with bold bi-colored yellow and maroon blooms.
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C. verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ – Popular pale yellow perennial on airy 12 inch plants.
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C. hybrid ‘Rising Sun’ – Perennial with large golden blooms marked orange, 15 inches tall.
Go ahead and sow some coreopsis seeds this fall to enjoy cheery flowers next year. With proper timing and care, fall planting coreopsis can give you a head start on vibrant color in the garden. Let us know how your fall-planted coreopsis performs!
When to Plant Coreopsis Seeds
To start indoors you can plant Coreopsis indoors 6-8 weeks before you transplant it outdoors after the last killing frost. You can also directly sow your seeds into the ground after the last frost when the soil has become workable.
Where to Plant Coreopsis Seeds
Whether you are transplanting or directly sowing, choose a well lit area with well-draining soil.
Coreopsis – Complete Grow and Care Guide
FAQ
When should Coreopsis seeds be planted?
To start indoors you can plant Coreopsis indoors 6-8 weeks before you transplant it outdoors after the last killing frost.
What happens if you plant seeds in the fall?
… germinate when the conditions are right for them outside and they are exposed to the harsher elements of nature from the start, which results in resilient …
Can I sprinkle wildflower seeds in the fall?
The best time to sow wildflower seeds is in the fall (September to November) or early spring (March to May), depending on your climate. Fall sowing allows seeds to undergo natural stratification, while spring sowing can be done after the last frost. Method: Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil.
What do you do with Coreopsis in the fall?
All you have to do once the earth thaws and all danger of frost has passed is cut the dead stems down to just two to three inches above the ground, and new …Oct 12, 2020
Can you grow Coreopsis from seed?
Many coreopsis varieties can be grown from seed and often will reseed themselves in your garden. Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your area’s projected last frost date, or directly plant seeds in your garden after your last frost. Plant the seeds roughly 1/2-inch deep, and keep the soil lightly moist and warm.
When do Coreopsis seeds germinate?
Coreopsis seeds germinate readily. This means they can be sown directly into prepared garden beds. For frost-tolerant varieties, this can be done in fall or very early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Gardeners can also successfully start their seeds indoors in trays. Coreopsis seeds generally germinate within 1-2 weeks.
When should I Divide my Coreopsis?
I recommend allowing the plants to go to see after mid-summer so that you can collect the seed and start new plants the following year. Over time, Coreopsis plants can become crowded and may benefit from division. Dividing your plants every 2 to 3 years helps rejuvenate them and promotes better flowering.
Can you grow Coreopsis indoors?
Gardeners can get a head start on the season by sowing coreopsis seeds indoors in a seed-starting mix eight weeks before the last frost (not covering the seeds). Keep them warm and moist until they germinate. Transplant annual coreopsis plants outdoors in spring. Perennial coreopsis can be transplanted outside anytime between spring and early fall.
Can Coreopsis be transplanted outside?
Perennial coreopsis can be transplanted outside anytime between spring and early fall. Coreopsis is often available as a nursery-grown plant. Plant it in spring or early summer in a prepared bed. Dig a hole the same depth as the nursery container and only a little wider. Set the plant in the hole at the same level it was in the container.
When do Coreopsis Bloom?
Annual varieties will start blooming in early summer and repeat bloom periodically through the fall, while perennial varieties will begin blooming the second year after planting from seed. Overall, coreopsis plants don’t require much care when grown in their preferred environment. Select a planting site with lots of sun and good soil drainage.