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When to plant Coreopsis in Colbert County, AL

Spring Coreopsis in Colbert County goes in March 30–April 20, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.

When to Plant Coreopsis in Colbert County, AL

Coreopsis (Tickseed) is a cheerful, long-blooming native perennial that produces a continuous flush of bright yellow, gold, or bi-colored daisy-like flowers from early summer well into fall. One of the most reliable cut-and-come-again bloomers in the perennial garden, it thrives in hot, dry, sunny conditions and poor soil where many competitors struggle. An invaluable nectar source for native bees and butterflies, and a butterfly host plant for several species.

Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 380 feet, Colbert County receives approximately 50.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Coreopsis during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Coreopsis, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Coreopsis root diseases.

Perennial Blooms in Summer Pollinator-friendly Deer-resistant Good for cutting
Colbert County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
205 growing days
First Fall Frost October 28

Colbert County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Coreopsis Planting Timeline — Colbert County, AL

Coreopsis Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 20
Direct Sow March 30 Mar 30 – Apr 20
Bloom June 8 Jun 8 – Nov 2

Plant 0.1" deep · 18" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
June Bloom
July Bloom
August Bloom
September Bloom
October Bloom
November Bloom
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

60–80 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

205 days in Colbert County

Growing Tips for Colbert County

Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost or direct sow after last frost. Seeds germinate easily without stratification. Thrives in poor to average, well-drained soil — rich soil promotes foliage over flowers. Drought tolerant once established; overwatering is the most common mistake. Deadhead spent blooms to maintain continuous flowering through the season. Shear plants by one-third in midsummer for a fresh flush of late-season blooms. Year 2+ plants bloom most heavily. Divide every 2–3 years in early spring to rejuvenate crowded clumps.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Coreopsis in Colbert County, AL?

Colbert County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Coreopsis planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Colbert County, AL?

Colbert County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 28.

When should I plant Coreopsis in Colbert County, AL?

In Colbert County, AL, plant Coreopsis after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Colbert County, AL for Coreopsis?

Colbert County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Coreopsis grows reliably in zones 3a through 9b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Coreopsis grow in Colbert County's climate?

Yes — Coreopsis grows well in Colbert County's temperate climate. Colbert County averages a 205-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 28.

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Your Colbert County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Colbert County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Colbert County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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