
Cosmic Eye Tickseed
Coreopsis tinctoria 'Cosmic Eye'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
18 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun
Water
Low to moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Annual
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Coreopsis tinctoria, commonly called plains coreopsis, is a fast-growing annual native to the central United States and Canada. It has feathery, finely-divided leaves and produces masses of daisy-like flowers. This cultivar features striking bicolor flowers, with deep velvety-maroon petals tipped in bright yellow, surrounding a dark central disk.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds just below soil surface in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain moisture.
- Transplant seedlings after the danger of frost has passed.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don't fertilize late in the season to prevent weak growth
- Refrain from disturbing roots during peak blooming
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
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
Cosmic Eye Tickseed questions
Is Cosmic Eye Tickseed deer resistant?
Yes — Cosmic Eye Tickseed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cosmic Eye Tickseed bloom?
Cosmic Eye Tickseed typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cosmic Eye Tickseed need full sun?
Cosmic Eye Tickseed does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Cosmic Eye Tickseed drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cosmic Eye 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'
