How to Care for Tick Weed
Tick weed, more commonly known as tickseed or coreopsis, is a flowering perennial native to North America. Plants reach up to 4 feet in height and produce yellow, daisy-like flowers in summer through early fall. Valued for its ease of care, dependable performance, adaptability to a variety of growing conditions and attractive blooms, tick weed is generally undemanding once established. Hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, tick weed thrives in most areas of the country with very little care.
Plant tick weed during spring after all threat of frost is over in a location that receives full sunlight and has moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Space tick weed plants at least 2 to 3 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth.
Apply a 4-inch layer of organic compost to the soil before planting and use a garden tiller to work the material into the soil to further increase fertility and drainage. Till the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches to thoroughly amend and loosen the soil.
- Tick weed, more commonly known as tickseed or coreopsis, is a flowering perennial native to North America.
- Valued for its ease of care, dependable performance, adaptability to a variety of growing conditions and attractive blooms, tick weed is generally undemanding once established.
Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil surrounding tick weed plants to deter the growth of competitive weeds and improve moisture retention. Replenish the mulch as often as needed throughout the year to keep it about 2 inches thick.
Water tick weed once per week during the spring and fall to help establish the plant's root system. Reduce watering frequency during summer to only weeks that receive less than 1 inch of rainfall. Do not water during winter, when active growth has ceased.
Feed tick weed once per year during spring, just after new growth begins. Apply a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer to provide proper nutrition for root and flower development. Fertilize following the manufacturer's directions for the best results.
- Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the soil surrounding tick weed plants to deter the growth of competitive weeds and improve moisture retention.
- Water tick weed once per week during the spring and fall to help establish the plant's root system.
Tip
Tick weed tolerates soil with low fertility, but thrives when plenty of nutrients are available.
Cut back tick weed to about 1 inch above soil level after the first killing frost of winter to protect the plant from cold damage.
Related Articles
References
- National Gardening Association Plant Care Guides: Coreopsis
- Maryland Cooperative Extension: Coreopsis Production and Consumer Care
- “Indiana Gardener's Guide”; Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Tom Tyler; 2004
Tips
- Tick weed tolerates soil with low fertility, but thrives when plenty of nutrients are available.
- Cut back tick weed to about 1 inch above soil level after the first killing frost of winter to protect the plant from cold damage.
Writer Bio
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe's work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
