Also known as Tickseed · 3.6k gardener saves

Coreopsis: the varieties gardeners actually grow

Coreopsis, the genus most gardeners know as tickseed. We track 62 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.

62 varietiesZones 4–10Mostly full sun

The 12 most-saved Coreopsis varieties

Of 62 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.

Browse all 62 Coreopsis varieties →

How to grow Coreopsis

What the Coreopsis varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.

The Coreopsis year

  • DeadheadMay–August95% of varieties

    Remove spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and control self-seeding

  • DivideMarch and September75% of varieties

    Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain plant vigor

  • Spring CleanupFebruary70% of varieties

    Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth starts

  • PruneJuly50% of varieties

    Cut back plants to 2-3 inches after flowering ceases or heavy frost

  • FertilizeMarch33% of varieties

    Apply a light, balanced fertilizer only if soil is extremely poor

Do

  • Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
  • Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
  • Water deeply once a week during dry periods 🌱
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Avoid

  • Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
  • Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
  • Don’t prune in late fall or winter

What goes wrong with Coreopsis

ProblemWhat you'll seeWhat to do
AphidsSticky residue and distorted leavesSpray with insecticidal soap or neem oil
Spider mitesFine webbing and speckled leavesUse organic miticides or rinse with water
Spider MitesFine webbing and speckled leavesIncrease humidity and spray with insecticidal soap
Powdery mildewWhite powdery coating on leavesApply fungicide or improve air circulation
Powdery mildewWhite powder on leavesImprove air circulation and apply fungicide
Powdery MildewWhite powder on leavesImprove air circulation and apply fungicide
Root RotWilting and discolored rootsEnsure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering

Making more Coreopsis

Seed

  1. Tuck seeds 1/4 inch deep in prepared soil.
  2. Keep soil moist until germination, about 14 days.
  3. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.

Division

  1. Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
  2. Separate clumps with a sharp knife or spade.
  3. Replant divisions immediately at same depth.

Coreopsis questions

How many types of Coreopsis are there?

The Sow catalog tracks 62 distinct Coreopsis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.6k real gardener saves — are shown first above.

What zones does Coreopsis grow in?

Across its varieties, Coreopsis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.

When does Coreopsis bloom?

Most Coreopsis varieties bloom in summer to fall, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.

Which Coreopsis should I choose?

Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.

Keep exploring

Design with Coreopsis in your own yard

Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.

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