Coreopsis tinctoria Seeds | Plains Coreopsis
LATIN NAME: Coreopsis tinctoria
COMMON NAME: Plains Coreopsis, Calliopsis, Golden Tickseed
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) is an upright, annual in the daisy family, native to north America. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers freely through the season. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Coreopsis tinctoria, a representative of the daisy family with clear practical value. Plains coreopsis has a real and distinguished place in research. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Plains Coreopsis works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Plains coreopsis is an upright, annual wildflower of meadows and roadsides, bearing bright-yellow, daisy-like flowers with maroon centres in the summer. Its flowers are a magnet for bees and butterflies, and its tall, upright growth gives a fine presence in meadow and cutting garden, while its easy, self-seeding habit makes it a valuable plant for naturalized area. To raise plains coreopsis, sow seeds on surface of pots of moist, open soil in a sunny, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the sun. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Coreopsis is a pollinator-friendly ornamental; the flowers of some species brew a golden tea, and snow-coreopsis of Xinjiang is a fashionable functional tea in China, studied for its flavonoids.
Growing from Seed
Plains Coreopsis grows readily from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
The traditional uses covered above are what first made this species worth cultivating. Plains Coreopsis, Calliopsis, Golden Tickseed settles in quickly once it finds its footing. The seed responds well to a spell of cold stratification, a small step that pays off.
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