Coreopsis (Tickseed) in Zone 7a & 7b
Coreopsis grandiflora
Yes, coreopsis (tickseed) grows in zones 7a and 7b. Start seeds indoors Feb 20–Feb 27 and plant out Apr 17–Apr 24.
When to plant coreopsis (tickseed) in zone 7b
Zones 7a and 7b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Either works.
| Start indoors | Feb 20–Feb 27 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 17–Apr 24 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 6–Jul 13 (~80 days after planting) |
Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-2 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 7b
These go outside within two weeks of coreopsis (tickseed) in zone 7b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumApr 17–Apr 24
- MarigoldApr 17–Apr 24
- Ageratum (Flossflower)Apr 17–Apr 24
- AmaryllisApr 17–Apr 24
- Annual Geranium (Pelargonium)Apr 17–Apr 24
- Butterfly Weed (Asclepias)Apr 17–Apr 24
Coreopsis (tickseed) is a native perennial grown for cheerful yellow blooms and for how reliably it pulls in pollinators. It's one of the better-documented native plants for supporting a wide range of bee species specifically. Buy it as straight species seed rather than a named cultivar: garden-center coreopsis is often sold under trademarked names bred more for compact habit or bloom color than for vigor, and at least one of the most common, 'Moonbeam', has turned out to carry a flower disease that's spread through nursery stock over the past decade.
How coreopsis (tickseed) fits zone 7's season
Zone 7b's frost-free window runs about 198 days, from April 10 to October 25. Coreopsis (tickseed) needs about 80 days from sowing to first bloom.
Coreopsis (Tickseed) planting windows in every zone
Zone 7b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Mar 27–Apr 3 | May 22–May 29 | Aug 10–Aug 17 |
| 5a & 5b | Mar 22–Mar 29 | May 17–May 24 | Aug 5–Aug 12 |
| 6a & 6b | Mar 7–Mar 14 | May 2–May 9 | Jul 21–Jul 28 |
| 7a & 7b (your zone) | Feb 20–Feb 27 | Apr 17–Apr 24 | Jul 6–Jul 13 |
| 8a & 8b | Feb 4–Feb 11 | Apr 1–Apr 8 | Jun 20–Jun 27 |
| 9a & 9b | Dec 28–Jan 4 | Feb 22–Mar 1 | May 13–May 20 |
| 10a & 10bSpring window | Jan–Mar | Mar–May | ~80 days after transplanting |
| Fall window | Aug–Sep | Oct–Nov | ~80 days after transplanting |
Bloom dates are about 80 days after the sow or plant-out date, not after starting seeds indoors.
Good companions
- Bell Pepper: Draws in pollinators and beneficial insects like lady beetles near heavy-feeding vegetables.
Where to buy coreopsis seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market · Burpee (each supplier's coreopsis seeds)
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing coreopsis (tickseed)" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 7b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Coreopsis (Tickseed) in USDA zone 7b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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