Golden Ball Tickseed
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Golden Ball'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Coreopsis tinctoria is a fast-growing annual known for its bright, daisy-like flowers and drought resistance. It forms a bushy mound and attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The 'Golden Ball' cultivar is noted for its compact, dwarf habit and profusion of double, golden-yellow flowers, making it ideal for borders, containers, and cutting gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist during seedling establishment.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 2-3 inches tall into full sun locations.
- Mist cuttings with water to encourage root growth in early stages.
- Divide mature clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall for rejuvenation.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure full sun exposure for vibrant blooms and healthy plants.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering period
- Refrain from using high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote leggy growth
- Avoid planting in dense shade for best results
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Ball Tickseed questions
What zones can Golden Ball Tickseed grow in?
Golden Ball Tickseed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Ball Tickseed deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Ball Tickseed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Ball Tickseed bloom?
Golden Ball Tickseed typically blooms in summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Ball Tickseed need full sun?
Golden Ball Tickseed does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Golden Ball Tickseed drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Ball Tickseed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Coreopsis to compare
Plains Coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Desert Coral'
Sassy Saffron Tickseed
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sassy Saffron'
Tickseed 'Sweet Tart'
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Sweet Tart'
Enchanted Eve Li'l Bang Tickseed
Coreopsis grandiflora 'Enchanted Eve Li'l Bang'
Prairie Coreopsis
Coreopsis palmata
Moonbeam Tickseed
Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam'
Keep exploring
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Grow Golden Ball Tickseed with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
