Greater Tickseed (Coreopsis major) is a perennial that blooms from spring to summer with large and showy bright yellow daisy-like flowers. Flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Seeds are shiny black and oblong, appearing from summer to fall and attracting many songbirds. It thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Coreopsis major is a North American species of tickseeds, in the family Asteraceae. It is native to the eastern United States, from Louisiana to Virginia and as far inland as Indiana and Ohio. There are isolated populations in Pennsylvania, Long Island, and Massachusetts, most likely escapes from cultivation.
Coreopsis major is a perennial herb up to 90 cm (3 feet) tall with yellow flower heads.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Greater Tickseed requires sufficient sunlight and prefers direct sunlight, so it is good for sunny gardens or balconies. To grow indoors, at least 6 hours of sunlight is needed. For maximum blooming, over 12 hours of sunlight is best.
Greater Tickseed can survive in partially-shaded environments. However, excessive shade can result in decreased photosynthetic rate, slow growth rate, produce thin, weak stems, difficulty in branching, and fewer flowers. Your plant will be healthier in a bright place.
Temperature
Greater Tickseed grows on grasslands or plains with a very dry environment. It likes a warm and dry growing environment, though it tolerates occasional wet weather. It grows best between 10 to 30 ℃. Cold temperatures result in slow growth. Sufficient water is required during germination, but adult plants have no special requirement for humidity.
Watering
Originating from the southeastern United States, greater Tickseed thrives in environments that mimic its native sunny and well-drained conditions. It exhibits a preference for moderate moisture and can tolerate short periods of drought due to its resilient nature. For optimal growth, greater Tickseed should be watered every week, ensuring consistent hydration without over-saturation. Given its adaptability to outdoor settings, greater Tickseed flourishes when it receives rainwater during its active growing season, which enhances its vibrant flowering potential.
Soil
Greater Tickseed adapts to most soil; some varieties even tolerate dry and rocky soil. However, it prefers moist, loose, permeable, well-drained sandy loam, with a pH value of 5.5-6.5. Add a permeable and loose medium, such as sphagnum moss and coco coir, to garden soil and organic matter to increase water retention. An example of a culture medium formula is 1/2 coco coir + 1/4 garden soil + 1/4 vermiculite or river sand. NPK fertilizer and organic fertilizer should be added in spring.
Fertilizing
To ensure robust growth and prolific blooms for greater Tickseed, utilize balanced nutrition fertilizers while incorporating high phosphorus types to bolster flowering. Apply every 6-8 weeks during active growth phases, adjusting to a reduced frequency as dormancy approaches. A moderate dose, as stated on the product label, will satisfy greater Tickseed’s needs without risk of over-fertilization. This strategic nutrition enhances plant vigor and bloom quality. Seasonal adjustments are key; withhold fertilization in winter. When applying, water soil first to prevent root burn and distribute evenly around the plant base, avoiding direct contact with foliage. Always adhere to labeled instructions to promote greater Tickseed’s health and flowering potential.
Planting Instructions
Plant greater Tickseed in spring or fall; in subsequent years, rely on natural seeding. Its natural seeding range is 30 to 61 cm, and its lifespan is three to five years. When it starts to bloom less, its life is ending, and it should be replaced with new plants. Sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. The germination temperature should be 16 to 25 ℃.
During germination, the medium should be kept moist and the air humidity should be kept at 90%-95%, and then gradually reduced after germination. Germination takes four to six days. When two or three true leaves grow out, transplant to a garden or pot. After transplanting, water thoroughly to keep the root system and soil in close contact. The whole seedling period takes 4-5 weeks, and 13-15 weeks are needed from sowing to blooming.
Pruning
Greater Tickseed rarely needs to be pruned. In order to promote blooming, prune the terminal bud when it grows to 5 cm. The same should be done again when branches are 10 cm long; remove thin or weak branchlets then too. Pruning withered flowers in time avoids consuming excessive nutrients, and greater Tickseed will bloom again in fall.
Propagation
Greater Tickseed can be effectively propagated through cuttings. Take healthy, non-flowering stems with a sharp, sterile implement to avoid damage or infection. Ensure cuttings have several nodules and plant them in well-drained soil with good moisture retention. Rooting hormone can aid in establishment, though greater Tickseed generally roots well without. Regular watering and partial shade support optimal root development until they can be transplanted.
Transplanting
The perfect time for transplanting greater Tickseed is during the season of fall to early spring (S3-S5), as it supports root development before blooming season. Greater Tickseed thrives when relocated to a sunny or partially shaded locale. If needed, ensure good soil drainage for successful transplanting.
III. Harvesting and Storage
Generally speaking, greater Tickseed can bloom twice a year, once in spring or summer and once in fall. Its flowers can be appreciated for a long time. If it is not harvested, it can bloom as long as one or two months. After harvest, the vase life of single flower is between three and seven days. Use sharp gardening scissors to cut at the base of the stem, and prune the base of the stem obliquely at 45° to increase the water absorption area. Put it in a vase with clean water.
